Plant-based coatings to reduce postharvest losses

In today’s fresh produce sector, where profit margins are tighter and logistics more demanding, maintaining product freshness is no longer just a quality goal, it’s an operational necessity. The ability to preserve firmness, color, and weight for longer has become a key factor in market competitiveness.

In this context, Apeel offers a postharvest solution based entirely on plant-derived compounds. It targets two of the main drivers of produce deterioration: water loss and oxidation. Its use helps extend shelf life without relying on conventional waxes, improving product performance both at origin and at destination.

A technology that works with natural ripening

Unlike traditional waxes, Apeel’s edible coating is made exclusively from plant-based materials. Applied after harvest, it forms a thin, invisible layer on the surface of fruits and vegetables. This barrier slows down water loss and oxidation, helping to maintain the appearance, texture, and firmness of the product without interfering with its natural ripening process.

The produce continues to ripen, just more slowly. This controlled pace of maturation brings measurable benefits throughout the supply chain, from packing to final consumption.

Direct impact on operations and quality

Using Apeel makes it possible to:

• Reduce shrink and markdowns at retail, thanks to longer-lasting visual and physical quality
• Gain time for logistics and merchandising, by extending the product’s commercial window
• Improve consumer satisfaction, as the product retains freshness longer once purchased

All these advantages translate into less food waste and a more efficient supply chain, both economically and environmentally.

An evolution in postharvest treatments

Most fresh produce already receives some form of postharvest treatment. Apeel doesn’t aim to replace all of them, but positions itself as a cleaner, more advanced alternative to traditional waxes and synthetic formulations.

Its plant-based formula is designed for easy integration into existing packing and processing lines, without requiring structural changes. This makes adoption simple and cost-effective, without disrupting current workflows.

At a time when sustainability is a priority for growers, distributors, and retailers alike, Apeel provides an effective tool for reducing food loss before it reaches the consumer. By extending freshness naturally, more harvested produce can be sold and consumed, boosting both profitability and environmental performance.

About Apeel Sciences

Apeel Sciences develops plant-based protection that helps fruits and vegetables stay fresh longer by reinforcing their natural skin. Made from materials found in plants we already eat, Apeel’s coating slows down water loss and oxidation, two key factors of spoilage. This technology is used postharvest and is designed to support a lower-waste supply chain by improving product performance from packhouse to kitchen.