Food Waste Fight Intensifies as Zoono Secures Exclusive Australian Packaging Deal

Zoono Expands Its Footprint in Food Packaging

Zoono Group Limited, a biotech company specialising in antimicrobial solutions, has announced a significant milestone with the signing of an exclusive five-year contract with Multisteps Pty Limited, a leading packaging manufacturer in Australia. This deal marks a strategic expansion of Zoono’s innovative shelf-life extension technology into the Australian fresh produce market.

The agreement builds on Zoono’s recent successes in the United Kingdom, European Union, and South Africa, reflecting growing global adoption of its antimicrobial packaging solutions developed in partnership with OSY Group Limited. The technology aims to extend the freshness of fruits and vegetables, thereby tackling the pervasive issue of food waste.

Addressing a Global Food Waste Challenge

Food waste remains a staggering global problem, with an estimated US$2.6 trillion lost annually and nearly a quarter of all fruits and vegetables discarded before consumption. By extending shelf-life, even by a single day, Zoono’s technology can reduce waste by up to 50% for certain products, offering substantial economic and environmental benefits.

For supermarkets and food producers, this translates into lower spoilage costs, improved stock availability, and access to new markets. Consumers benefit from fresher produce that lasts longer at home, while packaging manufacturers like Multisteps gain a competitive edge by integrating this technology seamlessly into existing production lines.

Key Terms and Commercial Outlook

The exclusive contract covers the Australian market for five years, with a minimum purchase commitment of NZ$15.18 million. The initial purchase order of NZ$182,000 is expected by January 2026. The agreement restricts Zoono and OSY from supplying similar products for the defined packaging formats to other parties within Australia, ensuring Multisteps’ exclusivity.

This partnership aligns with global sustainability goals by reducing food waste, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. It also positions Zoono and its partners at the forefront of innovation in antimicrobial packaging, a sector poised for growth amid increasing consumer and regulatory focus on food quality and environmental impact.

Looking Ahead

As Zoono continues to roll out its technology across multiple geographies and packaging formats, the Australian deal with Multisteps represents a critical step in scaling commercial adoption. The success of this initiative will likely influence future partnerships and market penetration, with implications for the broader food supply chain and sustainability efforts worldwide.