A Swedish food-tech company, Saveggy, has developed an innovative solution to replace plastic packaging for cucumbers. This plant-based, edible protection aims to reduce plastic waste while keeping produce fresh for up to two weeks, the same shelf life provided by conventional plastic wraps.
Made from just two ingredients—rapeseed oil and gluten-free oat oil—the product offers a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging and has the potential to be expanded to a wide range of fruits and vegetables.
“Our goal is to reduce food waste and plastic pollution together”
Saveggy’s technology is being tested in a one-month pilot program in Sweden, in partnership with ICA, one of the country’s largest grocery retailers, and Odlarna.se, a European producer. During the pilot, approximately 250,000 cucumbers across 700 ICA stores will be sold with Saveggy’s new plant-based coating. If successful, the initiative could be expanded to other regions in Europe, with product development continuing for wider applications across the produce sector.
Kerstin Lindvall, Sustainability Director at ICA, expressed enthusiasm about the project, saying, “This innovation makes it possible for us to remove plastic from cucumbers entirely without compromising quality, something we know our customers appreciate.”
This development comes ahead of the European Union’s 2030 deadline for banning single-use plastics for fresh produce, and Saveggy’s innovation could significantly reduce plastic usage. Research by the company found that over 3,000 tonnes of plastic are used annually for cucumber packaging alone across the EU, contributing to rising levels of plastic pollution.
The collaboration includes support from Lund University and stakeholders throughout the food supply chain, including consumers and retailers.
Solving two problems at once
Arash Fayyazi, co-founder of Saveggy, explained, “Cucumbers highlight the challenge: food waste on one side, plastic-wrapped shelves on the other. Our goal is to reduce food waste and plastic pollution together—with respect for nature, people, and the resources that make our food possible.”
To support its growth, Saveggy has raised approximately €2.5 million in venture capital. The company has also qualified for EU grants, including €2.5 million from the EIC Accelerator. A larger funding round is planned for next year to help fuel further expansion, with the European Investment Bank already expressing interest in a €3 million investment.
