Research initiative seeks packaging innovations

Packaging plays a key role in the exporting of fresh fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops, ensuring the food safely travels from the farm to the consumer’s table. Exporters face demands from foreign regulators and consumers to avoid single-use packaging or use sustainable alternatives.

To address these growing demands, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research has requested research, scale and commercialization applications that can expand U.S. export markets through innovative packaging solutions, according to a news release. FFAR said it is conducting this research in partnership with Clemson University and the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foundation for Fresh Produce.

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service has awarded $5 million to Clemson and the Foundation for Fresh Produce to establish the Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab, with FFAR to accelerate packaging innovation that facilitates global market access, according to the release.

The Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab will provide up to 20 awards between $50,000 and $250,000 for research that leads to the development and commercialization of scalable, sustainable packaging solutions, including replacements for single-use packaging, the release said.