The transition toward sustainable food systems across the globe has increased the search for alternatives to synthetic preservatives, which are now considered harmful to the environment and human health. Our company, a leading biobased innovator, has developed plant extracts preservation development (PEPD) services which uses harnesses the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of plants to formulate natural preservatives for food packaging. With the application of green chemistry and advanced biotechnology, our solutions help tackle critical industry problems such as reducing food waste, enhancing consumer safety, and adhering to circular economy principles.
Fig 1. Plant extracts as natural preservatives (Alzaidi M.A., 2022)
Our PEPD services range from the initial phytochemical screening to the later stages of industrial manufacturing. We specialize in extracting bioactive ingredients from botanicals like rosemary, clove, and citrus peels, in addition to enhancing their efficacy using our proprietary technologies. Our services include formulation design, stability testing, and incorporation into packaging such as edible films, antimicrobial coating, and oxygen-scavenging sachets. Clients receive customized products which fulfill their regulatory obligations and keep pace with clean-label demands.
Technical Principles
The preservative effects of plant extracts occur through three mechanisms:
- Microbial Inhibition: Polyphenols (e.g., catechins, resveratrol) destabilize bacterial cell membranes and inhibit quorum sensing, effectively suppressing pathogen detection and infection by Listeria monocytogenes.
- Oxidative Stability: The protective effects of carotenoids and tocopherols against oxidative damage prevents rancidity in lipid-rich foods.
- pH-Triggered Release: Ingredients in smart packaging systems activate preservatives only after microbial growth is observed, optimizing preservative use to improve resource efficiency.
- We ensure commercial viability by using gene-edited plant cell cultures and metabolic pathway engineering for increasing the yields of bioactive compounds.
Technical Features
- Natural Composition: The ingredients are compliant with U.S. FDA GRAS and EU novel food regulations.
- Broad-Spectrum Efficacy: Effective demonstrated reductions of Salmonella and Aspergillus colonies across meat, dairy, and baked goods were more than 99%.
- Process Compatibility: The pasteurization (up to 121°C) and high-pressure processing (HPP) resistant Thermostable formulations.
- Controlled Release: Timed delivery of bioactives such as chitosan or lipid NPs ensures encapsulated bioactives are released as planned.
- Low Carbon Footprint: energy consumption is reduced by 40% with solvent free extraction methods, when compared to traditional techniques.
Technology Classification
By Source
- Culinary Herbs: Oregano (carvacrol), thyme (thymol).
- Agro-Industrial Byproducts: Grape pomace (proanthocyanidins), rice bran (γ-oryzanol).
- Engineered Biofactories: Yeast-fermented vanillin, algal beta-glucans.
By Delivery Format
- Edible Coatings: Alginate-based films infused with citrus essential oils.
- Active Labels: Oxygen-absorbing sachets containing ascorbic acid from acerola cherry.
- Gas-Emitting Systems: CO2-releasing pads embedded with activated plant extracts.
Application Areas
- Fresh Produce: Ethylene-blocking films with mango kernel extracts to delay fruit ripening.
- Processed Meats: Nitrite-free celery root powder formulations for cured products.
- Beverages: Hops-derived iso-α-acids as natural preservatives in craft beers.
- Confectionery: Licorice root extracts to prevent sugar crystallization in candies.
Environmental Benefits
Our preservatives reduce reliance on fossil fuel-derived additives, lowering packaging carbon emissions by 35–60%. Biodegradable carriers decompose within 90 days in composting conditions, contrasting with conventional plastics that persist for centuries. Closed-loop extraction processes repurpose 98% of solvents, while partnerships with certified organic farms ensure sustainable raw material sourcing.
Our Services
We provide a variety of plant extracts preservative development services to help customers improve the storage and preservation of food throughout the entire food cycle. The specific services we can provide are as follows:
Company Service Advantages
- Multidisciplinary Teams: Expertise spanning phytochemistry, food microbiology, and polymer science.
- IP Portfolio: 20+ patents covering extraction methods (e.g., subcritical water extraction) and delivery systems.
- Data-Driven Formulation: Machine learning algorithms predict extract synergies, reducing R&D timelines by 50%.
- Global Certifications: International standard (environmental management) and B Corp certification for ethical operations.
Contact Us
The incorporation of plant science and modern technology through our PEPD services transforms food preservation. We enable our clients to substitute synthetic preservatives with plant solutions that improve safety, prolong freshness, and promote planetary health. Given increasing regulations and consumer demands, our eco-designed, scalable preservatives provide a safe innovation path for brands dedicated to sustainability. Please contact us for more information.
How to Place an Order
Reference
- Alzaidi M.A., Pavan K., et al. "Overview of plant extracts as natural preservatives in meat" Food Processing and Preservation 2022, 16:16796.
Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.
Plant Extracts Preservative Development
