The Coolest Trends And Innovations In Produce Preservation

As food prices rise and environmental concerns deepen, keeping fruits and vegetables fresher for longer is becoming a global priority for consumers. Produce preservation is a powerful tool in the fight against food waste and the climate crisis, helping to reduce emissions, conserve resources, and keep fresh, nutritious food out of landfills and on our plates.

By some estimates, nearly 40% of food produced globally is never eaten. Fruits and vegetables account for the highest portion of this waste due to their perishability. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, food waste is responsible for 8–10% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. If it were a country, food waste would rank as the third-largest emitter in the world, behind only China and the United States.

Against this backdrop, food preservation has become a climate, economic, and public health imperative. A Harris Poll conducted in the U.S. found that 88% of Americans consider reducing food waste important. And according to Innova Market Insights, 39% of consumers globally now rank planetary health as their top concern.

These days, shoppers are increasingly drawn to smart packaging that keeps their food fresh for longer. According to Innova’s 2023 Packaging Survey, people are most willing to spend extra on packaging that not only helps protect the planet, but also keeps food from spoiling too quickly, making it a powerful way to cut down on food waste.

At the same time, growing concerns about chemical preservatives and heavily processed foods— both for health and environmental reasons— are pushing the food industry to explore cleaner, more sustainable preservation solutions.

A growing number of startups and established companies are developing more sustainable tools that help fruits and vegetables last longer, from air purification systems to smart humidity control. Here’s a look at some of the innovations making a difference.

Clearing the Air: Tackling Ethylene to Curb Spoilage

Ethylene, a naturally occurring gas released by fruits like apples, avocados, bananas, and peaches, acts as a ripening agent and can accelerate spoilage of nearby vegetables. Ozone, volatile organic compounds, and microbial particles also contribute to food degradation. For this reason, indoor air quality is a key factor in produce preservation.

“Air quality directly impacts the longevity of fresh produce,” says Trent Thiel, Global Product Manager of Molecular Contamination Control at Camfil, a global manufacturer of air filtration and clean air solutions. By filtering out ethylene gas, ozone, and airborne microbes, clean air solutions can significantly extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Camfil’s CamPure 8, for example, is designed to target ethylene and other oxidizing gases that accelerate ripening and spoilage. “When you remove ethylene from the environment, you slow down the aging process of produce. That means less shrinkage, fewer losses, and better quality for longer,” Thiel explains.

The 2024 Camfil Sustainability Report points out that 99% of the air that humans breathe doesn’t meet World Health Organization standards. “Dirty air isn’t just an environmental or public health issue… it’s a food systems issue, too,” says Thiel.

Ethylene Absorbers: Produce Preservation in the Kitchen

Who knew that a sexy kitchen gadget could have the word ethylene in it?

The global ethylene absorber market is projected to grow from $12.77 billion in 2024 to over $48 billion by 2033, according to IMARC Group, reflecting increasing demand from both commercial and consumer markets.

Smaller-scale ethylene absorbers are starting to make their mark in home kitchens. The Bluapple Produce Saver, for instance, is a glossy, refillable, non-toxic blue sphere that quietly soaks up ethylene gas in your fridge, fruit bowl, or pantry. The company claims it can keep produce fresh two to three times longer, helping consumers reduce food waste without lifting a finger.

Even major appliance brands are getting in on the action. Refrigerators like the Bosch B36CL80SNS and Frigidaire Gallery GRSC2352AF now come with built-in ethylene filters because the air around your produce matters just as much as the produce itself.

Gearing up Against Oxidation for Produce Preservation

When it comes to food spoilage, oxygen is the silent saboteur. It triggers oxidation, dulls color and flavor, and fuels the growth of mold and bacteria.

Vacuum sealing offers a precise way to manage that risk. Devices like the FoodSaver vacuum sealer use automatic technology to remove air from custom-designed bags, locking in freshness with a tight, sensor-driven seal. The result? Food that stays fresh up to five times longer, with a serious reduction in freezer burn, spoilage, and waste.

As these devices become more affordable and user-friendly— with features like automatic sealing and adjustable vacuum levels— vacuum sealing is emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments in food tech. According to Arizton Advisory & Intelligence, the U.S. vacuum sealer market was valued at $2.91 billion in 2023 and is on track to grow to $3.45 billion by 2029.

Another standout innovation that provides an oxygen barrier without the use of plastic is Apeel— a plant-based, edible coating made from compounds found in the peels, seeds, and pulp of fruits and vegetables. By reinforcing the natural barrier that slows down oxidation and moisture loss, Apeel helps extend shelf life without the need for plastic packaging. According to Apeel Sciences, one truckload of cucumbers treated with Apeel and shipped without plastic wrap can eliminate the equivalent of roughly 100,000 plastic straws.

Humidity and Temperature Control

When it comes to keeping produce crisp and vibrant, humidity is just as important as temperature. Leafy greens and herbs need a humid environment to stay perky, while ethylene-producing fruits, like apples and avocados, fare better in drier conditions. But it’s a balancing act: too much moisture invites mold, too little and you’re left with limp, shriveled leftovers.

Bluapple’s VeggieZips help to manage this delicate balance. The reusable produce bags come with adjustable vents and a HydroLiner insert, a cloth-like layer that can either add or absorb moisture depending on the needs of the item being stored. The bags are washable and designed for long-term use.

Refrigerators are also getting smarter. Models like GE’s Profile PVD28BYNFS now offer dual humidity zones and fine-tuned airflow systems with adjustable drawers for precise humidity regulation. Experts say the ideal fridge temperature lands between 32°F and 38°F— cool enough to extend shelf life, but gentle enough to protect delicate produce from frostbite.

Produce Preservation Through Microbial Defense

Bacteria and fungi are among the most common culprits in food decay, entering through bruises or openings and breaking down cell walls. They thrive in warm, damp environments, making refrigeration and air purification essential.

Air filtration and sanitation technologies are key to microbial defense. “High MERV-A rated filters such as MERV 14A or MERV16A, HEPA/ULPA filters and UV-C systems can trap or neutralize these spoilage organisms before they come into contact with food,” explains Thiel.

One option for home kitchens is FreshPaper by The Freshglow Co.— biodegradable sheets infused with natural botanical extracts that help slow down spoilage. Simply placing a sheet in a produce drawer or container can extend freshness two to four times, according to the company. With nods from Oprah Magazine and Food & Wine, FreshPaper has earned a following for turning a simple idea into an effective tool against food waste.

Smarter Habits, Better Systems

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 aims to halve global food waste by 2030. Getting there will require a combination of awareness, innovation, and clean air strategies that extend the life of what we eat, before it ends up in the bin.

While technology is playing a growing role, small behavioral changes at home remain important in produce preservation. Storing ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas away from sensitive vegetables, using paper towels to absorb moisture, and avoiding overcrowding in the fridge can all help extend shelf life.