The EU Sets Reusability Target for Food Packaging, Antimicrobial Coating GS-2 Shows Promise

The European Union (EU) has introduced ambitious regulations mandating that 10% of all food packaging must be reusable by 2030.This move is part of the EU's ongoing efforts to reducing single-use plastics, combating environmental issues and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

In response to these changes, through our collaboration with Illinois Institute of Technology  and International Fresh Produce Association, our recent research, published in the Journal Foods highlights a promising solution for ensuring food safety in reusable packaging systems.

GS-2, our food-safe antimicrobial, demonstrated exceptional efficacy in reducing bacterial pathogens, achieving a >5 log CFU/in² reduction of E. coli, L. monocytogenes, and S. enterica on plastic surfaces within 60 minutes of exposure.

The study further examined GS-2’s antimicrobial performance across other common reusable packaging materials such as cardboard, HDPE, and PP. Very pleasingly, the results show that GS-2, by disrupting and destroying bacterial cell membranes, effectively neutralizes harmful pathogens. This pivotal antimicrobial action helps prevent food spoilage, ensuring the safety of specialty crops and other perishable foods.

In summary, the stability and antimicrobial properties of GS-2 make it a valuable application for minimizing foodborne risks associated with reusable packaging, aligning with the EU's stringent regulations. We believe the spray-coating application of GS-2 on reusable packaging will benefit primary food producers and exporters striving to meet these evolving global standards.

By combining sustainability and safety, GS-2 offers a practical solution to balance environmental objectives with public health needs, paving the way for broader adoption of reusable packaging materials in compliance with regulatory demands.