Food waste is a silent crisis hiding in plain sight. According to the latest figures from the World Food Program, one-fifth of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally. The total cost of food loss and waste for the global economy is estimated at roughly US$1 trillion. But the financial loss is just part of the story. Wasted food accounts for roughly 8-10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a major driver of climate change. A significant portion of this waste occurs before food even reaches consumers, as fruit and vegetables perish in transit or on shop shelves. How do we keep fresh produce from spoiling without relying on synthetic chemicals or wasteful packaging?
A natural solution: AgroSustain’s edible coatings
Swiss start-up AgroSustain believes the answer lies in nature itself. Their flagship product, Afondo, is an edible coating made from natural emulsifiers and vegetable oils. When applied to fresh produce, this invisible, tasteless layer slows down dehydration and decay, extending shelf life without altering flavour or texture. Unlike traditional chemical preservatives, Afondo is designed to be safe, biodegradable and easy to apply—it can be dipped or sprayed directly onto produce.
Beyond edible packaging, AgroSustain is also developing pre-harvest biostimulants that help crops such as grapes, strawberries and tomatoes withstand environmental stress. The goal is to prevent spoilage before it begins, tackling food waste at multiple supply chain stages.
Fighting both food waste and public perception
AgroSustain is not the only company using plant-based edible packaging to tackle food waste. California-based Apeel Sciences has a similar mission, using lipid-based coatings derived from fruit and vegetable peels. While both companies aim to keep produce fresher for longer, their approaches differ. Apeel’s technology focuses on creating a barrier that reduces moisture loss and oxidation, whereas AgroSustain emphasises antifungal protection alongside moisture retention.
Both companies highlight the growing demand for alternatives to plastic packaging and chemical preservatives, yet they face a common hurdle: consumer perception. Many shoppers remain sceptical about invisible coatings on their food, associating them with artificial preservatives rather than natural protection.
The challenge ahead is winning trust
Despite its promise, AgroSustain—and the edible coating industry as a whole—faces a few hurdles. First, scalability. Developing natural coatings that work across a wide range of produce requires extensive testing, and regulatory approvals can slow market entry. Second, cost. While these coatings can reduce waste, they must be affordable enough for farmers and retailers to adopt them at scale.
Finally, there is the question of transparency. Companies like AgroSustain and Apeel must work to educate consumers on what these coatings are, how they work and why they are different from synthetic preservatives. Without clear communication, even the best food-saving technology risks being misunderstood—or outright rejected.
However, ultimately, AgroSustain’s approach to tackling food waste is a welcome innovation in a world that desperately needs sustainable solutions. However, success will not just depend on the science—it will hinge on winning over regulators, businesses and sceptical consumers. If companies like AgroSustain can navigate these challenges, they might just help turn the tide on food waste.
