Canadian packaging solutions company Freshr Sustainable Technologies has completed an oversubscribed seed funding round, thanks to investments by Invest Nova Scotia, Diamond Edge Ventures, Nàdarra Ventures, BDC’s Climate Tech Fund and Blue Tide Capital Ventures.
Freshr is looking to revolutionise the fresh protein industry – starting with fresh fish – by extending shelf-life and reducing food waste. At the core of its innovation is FreshrPack, a proprietary coating made from naturally derived ingredients that inhibits spoilage bacteria and extends freshness. This can be chemically immobilised onto various packaging films, including compostable, post-consumer recycled and recyclable materials.
Designed to integrate seamlessly across the fresh food supply chain, FreshrPack is available in three formats: sheet, roll and bag to meet the diverse needs of industry stakeholders.
“It is extremely validating that this round was oversubscribed. We recognize the impact and influence of these investors and acknowledge the immense value in having investors who share our drive for global impact. They are critical to the company’s strategic growth,” Freshr CEO and Founder Mina Mekhail said.
Invest Nova Scotia led the funding round, investing for the third time.
“Freshr has developed a novel technology with substantial potential for reducing food waste on a global scale,” said Jen Fuccillo, Investment Principal, Invest Nova Scotia. “By extending the shelf-life of fresh proteins, Freshr’s solution lowers the environmental impact of the food industry, extends freshness to enhance the quality of the food being consumed, and provides suppliers with precious extra time to reach market – all without added ingredients. This is a powerful value proposition.”
“Food waste and food insecurity are pressing global challenges, and tackling them is central to Nàdarra’s investment thesis,” said Malcolm Fraser, Managing Partner of Nàdarra Ventures. “Freshr’s naturally derived active packaging technology significantly extends the shelf-life of high-value proteins, ensuring safer, fresher food while reducing waste at every stage of the supply chain. By solving this issue in a new way, Freshr is not only cutting economic and social losses but also reshaping the future of sustainable food packaging. We’re excited to support Mina and the Freshr team as they bring this breakthrough technology to market.”
This round of investment will enable Freshr to ramp up manufacturing, convert existing partnerships into early revenue, expand its presence globally, and strengthen the team’s business and engineering expertise.
Curtis Schickner, President of Diamond Edge Ventures, commented: “We believe that the future of packaging lies in smart, sustainable solutions that extend food freshness while reducing environmental impact. Freshr’s cutting-edge approach to active and sustainable food packaging aligns with Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s emphasis on minimizing food loss throughout the supply chain. We look forward to supporting Freshr as they scale their technology and bring active food packaging to market.”
“More than one third of all fresh proteins are wasted, either in transport or on retail shelves,” said Matt Stanley, BDC’s Climate Tech Fund. “With Freshr’s innovative, low-cost, and drop-in antibacterial coating and active packaging technology, it can reduce spoilage of fresh proteins across the supply chain, thereby reducing the amount of organic waste. By minimizing food waste, Freshr is helping to build a better and more sustainable food chain.”
