Explore innovative strides in sustainable packaging and post-harvest solutions with Alyssa Pace from Sway and Anthony Zografos of Akorn Technology. Discover Sway’s groundbreaking use of seaweed for compostable packaging, tackling plastic waste in fresh produce. Learn about Akorn’s all-natural, chemical-free coatings enhancing produce shelf life while reducing waste, aligning with evolving consumer and retailer demands. Hosted by Vonnie Estes, this episode delves into the challenges and breakthroughs in transforming the produce industry’s approach to sustainability, driven by technology and creative material science.

Key Takeaways

• Sway aims to revolutionize packaging by developing compostable solutions using sustainable seaweed materials.
• Clarity remains a significant hurdle in the adoption of new packaging materials, but brands focusing on sustainability can build consumer trust.
• Akorn Technology’s natural coatings offer an effective, chemical-free solution for extending the lifespan and quality of fresh produce.
• Recent industry changes, like Walmart’s policy against certain chemicals, highlight a growing shift toward natural alternatives.
• Both companies are part of the Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator, which has provided essential industry connections and support for market penetration.

Guest Resources

• Innovative Packaging Program Info/Application: https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/fresh-field-catalyst/
• Akorn Technology: https://akorn.tech/
• Sway: https://swaythefuture.com/

Show Links

International Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/

Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/