OSY Group expands antimicrobial packaging technology to South Africa, Namibia

SOUTH AFRICA – UK-based food technology company OSY Group has entered a new strategic partnership with Mpact Operations that will introduce its antimicrobial packaging technology to fresh produce markets across South Africa and Namibia.

The collaboration, running for an initial five-year period until November 2030, will see OSY Group’s coating technology applied to corrugated board-based packaging used for grapes, stonefruit and berries.

The innovation aims to extend shelf life, reduce food spoilage, and help retailers and producers cut waste across the supply chain.

OSY Group’s antimicrobial coating works by creating microscopic, spike-like structures on packaging surfaces.

These pins puncture and destroy microbes, slowing down the natural deterioration of fresh produce.

The technology, already in use in the UK and EU, integrates seamlessly into existing packaging production lines, including lidding films, trays, flow wraps, corrugated boards, and paper-based formats.

“This latest collaboration builds on the platform we have already established in the UK and EU markets and reflects the growing appeal of our proven technology,” said Marc Braterman, CEO of OSY Group.

“It represents the next stage of our strategy to forge long-term partnerships with leading manufacturers globally.”

Earlier this year, OSY Group signed an agreement with Sharpak Aylesham that brought the technology to soft fruit packaging predominantly sold through UK supermarkets.

The Southern Africa expansion marks the company’s entrance into yet another high-volume fresh produce region.

Braterman added that global food waste remains a significant challenge, with an estimated US$2.6 trillion lost annually. Nearly 25% of all fruit and vegetables produced worldwide are wasted before consumption.

“For supermarkets, even a one-day extension of shelf life can reduce waste by up to 50%,” he noted.

“For producers, the solution improves quality, reduces spoilage losses and increases sales. For consumers, the result is fresher, longer-lasting produce at home.”

Mpact Operations, one of South Africa’s largest packaging and recycling companies, sees the partnership as a value-enhancing opportunity for the region’s fruit industry.

“This partnership presents a unique opportunity to extend Mpact’s value proposition beyond innovative packaging solutions, by unlocking more value for fresh fruit producers,” said Thys de Jager, General Manager of Mpact’s Corrugated division.

“It also reinforces Mpact’s commitment to supporting customer needs on sustainability and food safety.”

The collaboration comes as Southern Africa’s fruit export sector pushes for greater efficiency and post-harvest innovation.

With markets demanding higher-quality produce and longer shelf life, antimicrobial-enabled packaging is expected to play a growing role in reducing waste and improving supply chain resilience.

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