Aptar launches first of its kind anti- pathogenic packaging

20-Mar-2020 - Last updated on 20-Mar-2020 at 11:53 GMT

AptarGroup has launched InvisiShield. Photo: Aptar Food + Beverage

Aptar Food + Beverage, part of AptarGroup has launched InvisiShield — a first of its kind anti-pathogenic packaging, integrated into sealed packages to protect produce from pathogens like bacteria, fungi and viruses.

The technology can be incorporated into existing or new produce packaging lines, and mitigates pathogen growth without impacting the product.

CSP Technologies

“We are extremely proud of our technology and the tremendous amount of work that has led to this launch. We have material science expertise that we are applying to food safety solutions at a critical time when consumers are demanding better and healthier food packaging outcomes,” said John Belfance, president, Aptar CSP Technologies.

InvisiShield uses a 3-Phase Activ-Polymer technology, patented by Aptar CSP Technologies, a division of AptarGroup.

The 3-Phase Activ-Polymer is currently used by global brands with a range of products to extend shelf life, maintain freshness, and improve efficacy in industries such as food safety.

The way InvisiShield works is that it is activated within sealed packages and releases a formulated amount of an anti-pathogenic agent into the produce’s packaging that is undetectable to the consumer and dissipates from the package within 24-48 hours of activation.

This mechanism significantly reduces pathogens that may have been introduced during the supply chain without coming into contact with the product itself.

The result is a final intervention step that reduces cross-contamination within the sealed package.

Third-party validated studies demonstrated InvisiShield technology to be up to 99.9% effective against the most common food-borne pathogens: Pathogenic E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Human norovirus, Hepatitis A, Shigella, Campylobacter jejuni, Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia enterocolitica, Vibrio vulnificus, Geotrichum candidum, Feline calcivirus and Rotavirus.

As a food safety assurance device, InvisiShield meets a need for heightened defense against food-borne illnesses.

Pilot program

A pilot program is currently underway with Royal Fresh Cuts, which plans to launch its first commercial use of the technology in the second quarter of 2020.

“We are excited to partner with Aptar as the first to implement InvisiShield technology, which promises to provide increased food safety to our fresh cut produce offerings,” said Kevin Whitehurst, owner, Royal Fresh Cuts.

Aptar’s Food Protection division is also working closely with Lipman Family Farms and McEntire Produce, two food processors, to bring this technology to the wider food service community.

The company is currently focused on launching InvisiShield technology for use on tomatoes, onions, peppers, pico de gallo and sliced apples. In addition to this, it is further developing the technology to release different anti-pathogenic agents to improve the safety of leafy greens and berries.

“I am very excited about the potential this technology has to change the way the food industry thinks about food safety,” said Angela Morgan, director, business development and food Safety solutions, Aptar Food + Beverage – Food Protection.

“We are taking a small, but game changing step in reshaping the food safety paradigm.”

Aptar is looking for strategic partnerships to expand access to this technology and bring it closer to the consumer. Interested partners should contact Angela Morgan, at angela.morgan@aptar.com for more information.