Shelf Life-Extending Films

A team of chemical engineers at UNSW Sydney has developed a protective, biodegradable film made from old coffee grounds, offering a solution to extend the shelf life of perishable summer fruits such as blueberries. Known for their short post-harvest lifespan, these fruits could benefit from packaging that slows spoilage while reducing reliance on plastics.

The innovation repurposes food-industry waste while creating a sustainable packaging alternative. By extracting oil-rich compounds from used coffee grounds, the researchers have produced films that not only protect delicate produce but may also help inhibit bacterial growth on the film’s surface, according to early testing. This antimicrobial potential could further enhance food safety and reduce waste across the supply chain.

If scaled successfully, the technology could support growers and retailers by extending expiry dates, decreasing food loss, and advancing the adoption of circular materials in fresh food packaging.

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