Packaging with Purpose: How PeelON is Reimagining Freshness, Fighting Food Waste, and Replacing Plastic with Sustainability
Biotech Meets Nature: The PeelON Breakthrough
In a world where fresh produce journeys far from farm to table, PeelON is turning heads—by blending cutting-edge biotech with plant-based innovation. Founded in Visakhapatnam in 2020 by agricultural happenstance and scientific passion, PeelON has crafted a fully biodegradable film infused with natural antimicrobial agents that extend shelf life by up to three times. This isn’t just packaging it’s living protection. The material actively slows respiration and ethylene buildup, fights microbes naturally, and maintains moisture all without harmful plastics or synthetic additives.
From Lab to Field: Packaging That Cares
PeelON is more than a product, it’s a mission. The co-founders, Dr. Taraka Ramji Moturu and Dr. Venkata Ravi Sankar Ummidi, drew from their deep-rooted experiences in farming communities, resolved to reduce post-harvest losses. Their innovation is active packaging films that regulate oxygen, block microbial entry, and create a microenvironment that preserves freshness rather than simply covering it. The result? Produce like cilantro, leafy greens, bananas, rambutan, and broccoli arrive at markets crisp and natural, with much less reliance on cold chains.
Why PeelON Stands Out
- Plant-Powered Protection: Harnesses natural antimicrobial compounds and biodegradable materials.
- Eco-Conscious Impact: Reduces plastic waste and lowers carbon footprint through lightweight, renewable packaging.
- Freshness Extended: Delivers up to 3× longer shelf life for fresh produce, even across long transit routes.
- Deeper in the Supply Chain: Trusted by exporters in India, the U.S., and Mexico seeking sustainable, high-performance solutions
A Vision Beyond Packaging
This week’s spotlight unpacks more than a business, it shines on a philosophy. Backed by a recent $1M seed round led by growX Ventures, PeelON is ramping up R&D, production in Visakhapatnam, and expanding sales and regulatory teams across India and North America. Their roadmap includes rolling out retail-ready bags and exploring blockchain-based traceability for verifying carbon savings and shelf-life gains.
PeelON isn’t just about keeping produce fresh, it’s packaging innovation that respects the earth, supports farmers, and refreshes the very way we think about supply chains.
