The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and The Foundation for Fresh Produce has announced the second cohort of the Packaging Innovation Program. The 2026 cohort includes seven companies developing cutting-edge packaging technologies for U.S. specialty crop exports.
The Packaging Innovation Program is powered by a $5 million investment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service. It is implemented in partnership with Clemson University and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research.
The program is accelerating the development of packaging that extends shelf life, reduces food loss and waste and meets rapidly evolving international packaging regulations.
Vonnie Estes, IFPA VP of ag innovation, said the new cohort reflects the depth of work happening across the packaging space.
“The breadth and quality of innovation represented in this new cohort is extraordinary,” Estes said.
“These companies are tackling the most pressing packaging challenges facing U.S. specialty crop producers, from compostability and recyclability to shelf-life extension and regulatory compliance. We are proud to support their work and to connect them with the resources, partnerships, and market access they need to succeed.”
Responding To International Regulations
Building on the success of its first cohort, the program’s second class of innovators addresses the urgent packaging challenges facing U.S. specialty crop exporters as regulations tighten across key markets including the European Union, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia.
The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and Canada’s Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations are among the sweeping policy changes demanding new approaches to packaging materials, recyclability and compostability.
The seven selected companies will receive non-dilutive funding awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.
The package also includes direct access to industry leaders, market readiness support, life cycle assessments and regulatory guidance. The work is supported by a grant awarded by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service through the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports Initiative.
Meet The 2026 Cohort
The seven selected companies represent a broad range of innovative approaches to specialty crop packaging.
Graphic Packaging International is focused on a compostable paperboard clamshell replacement with shelf-life extension for fresh produce. It’s Fresh Limited is developing a recyclable film for cardboard punnets and pre-made salads that prolongs shelf life and reduces food wastage.
Metalchemy Limited is working on Metalchemy Antimicrobial REearthable trays for sustainable specialty crop packaging. Northern Technologies International, through its Natur-Tec brand, is developing PFAS- and PVDC-free compostable barrier laminates for moisture- and oxygen-sensitive dried fruits and tree nuts.
Paramount Planet Product LLC is focused on ocean-compostable, fish-friendly packaging innovation. PurePour Foods LLC is developing compostable dual-format packaging — branded PurePack Duo — for seed-oil-free dressings.
Singularity rounds out the cohort with a performance-enhancing additive for recycle-ready flexible packaging for food.
A Critical Moment For The Industry
Max Teplitski, IFPA chief science officer, said the work of the cohort comes at a pivotal time for U.S. growers and exporters.
“The specialty crop industry is at an inflection point,” Teplitski said. “Growers and exporters need packaging that not only meets the wave of new international regulations but actively helps them get more product to market in better condition. The companies in this cohort are building exactly that — practical, scalable solutions that can move the needle on food loss, sustainability, and market access for U.S. producers.”
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