The Shift
The Old Way: Cold Chains and Plastic Wrap
Fresh produce spoils quickly, requiring expensive refrigeration, plastic packaging, and still resulting in massive waste.
- 40% of produce grown is never eaten
- Cold chain infrastructure costs billions annually
- Single-use plastic packaging adds environmental burden
- Developing nations lack cold chain access
The New Way: Nature's Protective Barrier, Applied
Apeel creates an edible, invisible coating from plant lipids that slows water loss and oxidation—the two main causes of spoilage.
- Plant-derived coating extends shelf life 2-3x
- Works without refrigeration in many cases
- FDA approved, USDA certified organic
- Applicable to most fruits and vegetables
The Story
Founded in 2012 by James Rogers, a materials scientist who wanted to solve food waste using his expertise in molecular structure.
Apeel Sciences develops plant-derived coatings that extend the shelf life of fresh produce.
Proof Points
Extension of produce freshness
Total venture funding including Series E
Treated with Apeel coating
At retail level for treated produce
Deep Dive
Innovation
Apeel's coating is made from plant cutin—the same lipid material that forms the protective outer layer of all plants. It's chemically identical to what's already on produce, just more of it.
Circular Model
The coating is made from agricultural byproducts like grape skins and other food processing waste, creating value from another waste stream.
Community Impact
By reducing cold chain dependency, Apeel enables farmers in developing nations to reach distant markets for the first time.
Business Results
Apeel is now used by major retailers including Kroger, Walmart, and Costco. The company has partnered with USAID to expand into developing markets.
Key Takeaway
The best packaging might be no packaging at all—just an enhanced version of what nature already provides.
Founder Pathway
Best for deep-tech founders with materials science background