Zoono Locks In Exclusive South African Deal to Cut Food Waste
Zoono Group has secured a five-year exclusive contract with Mpact Operations to apply its antimicrobial technology to corrugated packaging for fresh produce in South Africa and Namibia, aiming to extend shelf-life and reduce food waste.
- Exclusive five-year contract with Mpact for South Africa and Namibia
- Technology applied to corrugated board packaging for grapes, stone fruit, and berries
- Minimum purchase commitment of NZ$5.1 million over contract term
- Expansion beyond UK and EU markets into Southern Africa
- Focus on reducing food waste and enhancing sustainability in fresh produce supply chains
Expanding Global Reach
Zoono Group Limited, a biotech company specialising in antimicrobial solutions, has announced a significant exclusive agreement with Mpact Operations (Pty) Limited, the largest paper and plastics packaging business in Southern Africa. This five-year contract, effective until November 2030, covers the South African and Namibian markets and marks a strategic expansion of Zoono’s food packaging initiatives beyond its established UK and European Union presence.
Innovative Packaging to Extend Fresh Produce Shelf-Life
In partnership with OSY Group Limited, Zoono has developed a technology that applies antimicrobial agents to corrugated board packaging, specifically designed for grapes, stone fruit, and berries. This innovation aims to extend the shelf-life of fresh produce, a critical factor in reducing the staggering global food waste estimated at US$2.6 trillion annually. By slowing spoilage, the technology offers tangible benefits to supermarkets, food producers, and consumers alike, including reduced waste, improved product freshness, and enhanced supply chain efficiency.
Commercial and Sustainability Implications
The agreement includes a minimum purchase commitment of NZ$5.1 million over five years, underscoring Mpact’s confidence in the technology’s commercial viability. For Mpact, integrating Zoono’s antimicrobial solution into their packaging portfolio provides a competitive edge in a market increasingly focused on sustainability and innovation. The collaboration also aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by tackling food waste, a major contributor to environmental degradation.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Market Adoption
This deal builds on Zoono and OSY’s strategy to forge long-term partnerships with leading packaging manufacturers worldwide. The seamless integration of the OSY application process into existing production lines enhances scalability and market penetration. As the technology gains traction in new regions, it could redefine standards for food packaging and preservation, offering a meaningful solution to one of the food industry’s most persistent challenges.
Looking Ahead
With the first purchase order expected by December 2025, the partnership’s success will depend on market acceptance and operational execution. If successful, this could pave the way for further geographic expansion and application to other food categories, amplifying Zoono’s impact on global food sustainability.
Bottom Line?
Zoono’s South African deal signals a promising step in scaling antimicrobial packaging to combat food waste globally.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Mpact expand the technology’s use beyond grapes, stone fruit, and berries during the contract term?
- How quickly will the extended shelf-life translate into measurable reductions in food waste and cost savings for retailers?
- Could this partnership lead to similar exclusive agreements in other emerging markets?
