Kitocoat produces a biodegradable, edible coating derived from residual waste that extends the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by up to seven times without refrigeration. This technology addresses the issue of food waste while eliminating the need for plastic packaging, contributing to a more sustainable food supply chain.
Funding
$50K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
A significant portion of harvested fruits and vegetables is lost to spoilage, even with refrigeration and plastic packaging. Current preservation methods often rely on synthetic materials that contribute to environmental pollution and do not address the underlying causes of decay.
Solution
Kitocoat offers a biodegradable and edible coating derived from chitosan, a natural biopolymer sourced from crustacean exoskeletons and fungi. This coating acts as a barrier against microbial growth and moisture loss, extending the shelf life of fresh produce without the need for refrigeration or plastic packaging. By mimicking the protective exoskeletons found in nature, Kitocoat provides a sustainable solution to reduce food waste and minimize environmental impact. The coating is applied to the surface of fruits and vegetables, creating a protective layer that preserves freshness and quality for an extended period.
Target Audience
Kitocoat targets farmers, food distributors, and retailers seeking to reduce food waste, extend the shelf life of their produce, and offer sustainable packaging alternatives to consumers.
Features
- Edible coating made from chitosan, a derivative of chitin found in crustacean shells and fungi.
- Antimicrobial properties inhibit the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms.
- Barrier against moisture loss, preventing dehydration and maintaining firmness.
- Biodegradable and compostable, reducing reliance on plastic packaging.
- Extends shelf life of mangoes from 4-5 days to 14-16 days.
- Extends shelf life of pineapples from 3 days to 21 days.
- Extends shelf life of cucumbers from 8-10 days to 14-16 days.
- Approved by Health Canada, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) for use as a protective coating.