Freshr and Mitsubishi Chemical Join Forces to Fight Global Food Waste

Nova Scotia–based Freshr Sustainable Technologies has announced a strategic collaboration with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) to accelerate packaging innovations aimed at reducing food waste. According to a joint statement released by the companies, the deal includes both a development agreement and an equity investment from Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG), MCC’s holding company.

It is reported that the funding will allow Freshr to expand its FreshrPack coating technology, a proprietary solution that helps extend the shelf life of proteins by slowing bacterial growth. The investment also supports MCG’s KAITEKI Vision 35, a corporate strategy emphasizing sustainable innovation in advanced materials.

Freshr founder and CEO Mina Mekhail was quoted as saying the partnership demonstrates MCC’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, while advancing a shared global goal of reducing food waste with scalable, science-based technologies. MCC also underlined this perspective. “This partnership with Freshr supports our KAITEKI Vision 35 by advancing practical solutions that promote sustainability and improve food quality,” said Toshiaki Esumi, Senior Director of MCC’s Packaging and Barrier Films Department, according to the announcement.

Industry analysts note that food waste costs the global economy an estimated $2.6 trillion annually and contributes about 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. In Japan alone, official data show that approximately 4.64 million tonnes of food are discarded each year. By combining Freshr’s scientific expertise with MCC’s international network, the collaboration is expected to address both the environmental and economic challenges associated with waste, observers said.

The agreement follows Freshr’s oversubscribed funding round in March 2025, which, according to company disclosures, was backed by BDC Capital’s Climate Tech Fund, Blue Tide Capital Ventures, Diamond Edge Ventures, Invest Nova Scotia and Nàdarra Ventures. Market experts suggest the partnership reflects growing momentum for innovative packaging solutions that support waste reduction targets and stricter sustainability regulations worldwide.

According to industry reports, initiatives such as this are increasingly seen as central to advancing circular economy practices in packaging. If successful, the Freshr–MCC partnership could establish advanced coating technologies as a key tool in tackling global food waste while contributing to international climate goals.

Source: Freshr Sustainable Technologies