Food startup Akorn Technology features edible coatings for fresh produce that have recently gotten approval from the European Union (EU). This innovation can be used on whole and cut fresh fruit, with skins that are either edible or inedible peels.

The main component of this coating is corn zein, which is a major storage protein of corn. It also contains other plant-based and upcycled ingredients, which reflect the company’s focus on nutrition and sustainability.

The coating extends the shelf-life of the fruits by up to three times the normal length, delaying ripening and cutting back on moisture. It stops bacteria and fungi from growing, helping maintain the fruit’s firmness and texture. This plug-and-play solution is clean label and non-GMO, and can ultimately lower chances of food waste and ultimately, profit loss.

“Akorn leads the way in offering sustainable, plant-based, edible coatings to deliver better, safer, longer-lasting and tastier produce and eliminate the need for plastic packaging,” said Anthony Zografos, Founder and CEO of Akorn.

“Other new coatings have not received broad or even any EU approval. Approvals to date have been limited to fresh produce that must be peeled before eating, a lower standard,” said Xander Shapiro, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Akorn.