Zoono Group, listed on the ASX as ZNO, has made a significant leap in its quest to combat global food waste, signing an exclusive contract with Sharpak Aylesham, a prominent UK packaging solutions provider. This strategic partnership aims to incorporate Zoono’s innovative shelf-life extension products alongside OSY’s application technologies into Sharpak's packaging for soft fruits, including strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and grapes, distributed to major UK supermarkets.

Under the terms of this agreement, which grants UK exclusivity until the end of 2029, Zoono anticipates the first product order from Sharpak to materialise following in-store trials expected to conclude by late 2025. The signing heralds the possibility of substantial revenue growth, as production ramps up in the first three quarters of FY2026 to facilitate broader market penetration within the UK.

A staggering $4 trillion is lost annually in global food waste, with approximately 25% of all fruits and vegetables contributing to this figure. Zoono asserts that its technology could play a pivotal role in reducing this wastage. By extending the shelf-life of fresh produce, the partnership promises mutual benefits across the supply chain. The solution meets UK and EU Food Contact Material Regulations, ensuring that Zoono's products do not migrate from packaging into food items, which is a critical consideration for food safety.

The collaboration builds upon Zoono's existing platform in the UK and EU food shelf-life extension market, which has been strengthened by extensive trials with leading supermarkets and international food producers. An endorsement from a prominent UK premium supermarket labels this technology as a “game changer,” highlighting its wide applicability across various products and packaging formats.

In addition to working with Sharpak, Zoono is actively engaged in trials across diverse food categories beyond soft fruits, such as stone fruits, lychees, cherries, fish, meat, and ready-made meals. The preliminary results indicate a positive trajectory, achieving targeted minimum shelf-life extensions that are necessary for commercial viability.

Sharpak, meanwhile, is simultaneously pushing the envelope in sustainable packaging solutions through the launch of its innovative SharpTek brand—an entirely recyclable mono material tray designed specifically for delicate berries. This packaging solution is notable for its reduction in reliance on glued absorbent pads, which historically complicated the recycling process. SharpTek claims to utilise up to 80% recycled PET content and can be seamlessly integrated into existing packing lines, allowing for enhanced sustainability without additional investment burdens.

This initiative comes amidst a broader momentum in the industry focusing on reducing environmental impact. BerryWorld, in collaboration with Sharpak, is trialling trays made entirely from 100% recycled PET, reflecting a collective commitment to a circular economy in fresh produce packaging. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, as only 55% of plastic is recycled in the UK, underscoring the need for improved access to post-consumer recycled materials.

As Zoono and Sharpak forge ahead in their partnership, the integration of OSY’s technology further enhances the prospects of tackling food waste while promoting sustainable practices in the food supply chain. The potential ripple effect of this collaboration could set a precedent, encouraging other industry players to adopt similar sustainable approaches as global demand for waste reduction continues to rise.

In a landscape marred by waste, both companies are poised to contribute significantly to the collective effort of fostering a more sustainable future for food packaging and preservation.