Akorn Technology, a pioneer in all-natural coatings for fresh fruits and vegetables, has launched a breakthrough in sustainable shelf-life extension for cucumbers – an edible coating that is set to revolutionize the way cucumbers are packed, distributed, sold and consumed by replacing single-use plastic wraps.
Akorn Natural Advantage for English cucumbers and bell peppers – which forms a natural,
invisible barrier that mimics the protective function of plastic – eliminates the need for single-use plastic on long English cucumbers while maintaining freshness and quality. Akorn's plant-derived coating has all the advantages of plastic wraps, but with none of the negative
consequences and costs associated with single-use plastic pollution.
Akorn Natural Advantage preserves the firm texture of wrapped cucumbers while maintaining
the crisp, refreshing crunch consumers love. Unlike traditional plastic-wrapped cucumbers,
which often yellow due to ethylene build up in the package, Akorn cucumbers stay vibrant with
a deep green color and glossy finish.
Hailed by retailers who have found it meets or exceeds the efficacy of plastic, the coating's
commercial potential is such that it has been selected for a grant from the 2025 Fresh Field
Catalyst Accelerator cohort, a program led by the Foundation for Fresh Produce (FFP) and
the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA).
Not-Akorn on the left versus cucumber treated with Akorn edible coating on the right.
Letting produce breathe
The launch of Akorn Natural Advantage coating comes at an opportune time. Across North
America, Europe, and other regions, consumers and retailers are powering a move towards
more sustainable packaging, whether they be compostable or bio-based materials. Natural
Advantage makes possible the near total elimination of single-use plastic on produce like
cucumbers and peppers.
Akorn CCO and Co-Founder, Xander Shapiro, said: "Other companies have gone to
extremes to find solutions, many of which are simply unpalatable to the average consumer and therefore retailer. Akorn Natural Advantage for cucumbers and peppers is highly effective in retaining product crispness and color, and all without gross ingredients that fly in the face of
consumer preferences. Implementation of the solution is simple and only requires minor
retooling. Akorn provides full support during this short process."
Shapiro continued: "Plastic packaging on fresh fruits and vegetables not only contributes to
pollution but can also increase food waste by accelerating spoilage and forcing bulk
purchases. Studies show that selling produce loose or using breathable, compostable
packaging can significantly reduce both plastic waste and food loss. As a result, the industry is
rapidly adopting innovative materials and technologies that extend shelf life while supporting
environmental goals."
Contact:
Xander Shapiro
Akorn Technology
Tel: +1 415-793-4995
www.akorn.tech