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Food tech trailblazer OSY Group<\/a> has agreed to a commercial partnership to apply its technology on to packaging for soft fruits predominantly sold through UK supermarkets.<\/p>\n The collaboration with packaging manufacturer SHARPAK Aylesham<\/a> aims to extend the shelf life of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and grapes, reducing food waste.<\/p>\n OSY Group\u2019s antimicrobial coating enables food to stay fresh for longer by leaving microscopic pins on packaging surfaces which puncture and kill microbes, slowing the natural spoiling process that affects the produce from within.<\/p>\n The partnership with SHARPAK comes after extensive testing of the technology with commercial partners globally, independent laboratories and other facilities, which has proven it to be food safe and compliant with the Food Contact Materials regulations for fresh produce<\/a>.<\/p>\n SHARPAK, based near Canterbury in Kent, develops, manufactures and distributes the largest portfolio of packaging for fruit and vegetables in the UK.<\/p>\n Marc Braterman, chief executive of OSY Group, said the partnership will see the companies work together to deliver the technology across SHARPAK\u2019s extensive customer base and into more sectors.<\/p>\n He added: \u201cWe are extremely excited to announce our commercial partnership with SHARPAK, the key player offering the widest range available of packaging of soft fruits sold by UK supermarkets. Its packaging is also used for a broad cross-section of fresh produce and other food categories, including meat and poultry.<\/p>\n \u201cOur coating technology, which is proven and ready for deployment in a variety of markets, is a huge and beneficial differentiator for food producers, retailers and consumers, as it reduces wastage and helps keep food fresher for longer. For some products, a one-day extension of shelf life can reduce food waste by up to 50 percent.<\/p>\n