Together with Swiss research institute Empa (St. Gallen; www.empa.ch), supermarket chain Lidl Switzerland has developed a protective coating for fruit and vegetables based on renewable raw materials. The novel coating is made from pomace – pressed-out fruit and vegetable peels. “The goal is that such natural coatings can replace petroleum-based packaging in the future,” said Gustav Nyström, head of Empa’s Cellulose and Wood Materials research department.

Empa researchers spent more than a year working on the coating, which ensures that fruits and vegetables stay fresh longer. During tests, for example, the shelf life of bananas could be extended by more than a week.

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The coating is either sprayed onto the food or applied through dipping and is said to be easy to wash off. Since the coating is safe, the institute noted that it can also be consumed without any problems, and adds that the potential of cellulose coating has not yet been exhausted, “It is possible to add additives such as vitamins or antioxidants”.

The cellulose coating is to be tested and further improved upon over the next two years by Lidl Switzerland and a fruit and vegetable supplier. The aim is to use the technology in the over 150 Lidl shops in Switzerland after the successful main trial, the retailer said.