PROOT

Nanomedical Solutions

PROOT

Next Generation of edible coatings to secure the global food supply chain

San José Province, San José, Costa Rica

CRI

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

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Excessive use of chemicals in the agri-industry is a critical global issue. Toxic substances commonly used to preserve food during transport represent significant risks to both human health and to the environment. These chemicals are harmful to consumers and agricultural workers, with long-term adverse health effects, they pollute soil and water and contributing to ecosystem degradation. In 2020, the EU banned the use of paraffin coatings, previously used to preserve fresh products like cassava, due to their high toxicity risks. As a result, countries like Costa Rica, the EU’s main cassava exporter, have reported over $34 million in losses per year, affecting millions of people from producers to consumers, and resulting in tons of food waste for non-compliance with the EU regulations. To address this problem, we developed PROOT, a nanotechnology-based edible coating that replaces toxic substances with an eco-friendly and food-safe solution. Our technology extends cassava shelf life by up to 30 days and fully complies with EU safety regulations. We aim to reduce food waste, protect human and environmental health, and provide exporters in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia with a safe, sustainable and cost-effective solution to secure the global food supply chain.

PROOT represents the next generation of edible coatings, delivering to the market a food-safe and more sustainable solution powered by nanotechnology that helps protect edible roots like cassava during transport and storage. It offers superior protection against natural degradation for up to 30 days, maintaining freshness and replacing toxic paraffin coatings that were banned in the EU due to health concerns. Our solution is applied after harvest using standard dipping equipment, allowing producers to easily integrate PROOT into their existing processes without incurring in additional CAPEX expenses. Once applied, it forms an ultra-thin protective layer that works as a barrier against moisture loss, oxidation and microbial degradation without altering the fresh product's natural taste, texture or appearance. It is biodegradable, odorless, and fully compliant with EU food safety regulations. With PROOT, exporters can trust that their cassava will arrive at its destination in excellent condition, with incomparable freshness, even after long-distance transport. By extending shelf life and replacing toxic substances, PROOT helps prevent millions in post-harvest losses and reduces the unnecessary disposal of fresh products, contributing to a more resilient and efficient global food supply chain.

Our solution directly serves small to large-scale cassava producers and exporters across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, who are currently at risk of being unable to export cassava to the EU if they do not have an alternative edible protective coating that complies with food safety regulations. These stakeholders lack access to sustainable, safe and cost-effective post-harvest solutions to protect fresh cassava since the EU banned paraffin due to health concerns. Without a viable alternative, producers have been suffering from financial losses, trade limitations, and missed market opportunities. Small-scale producers and farm workers are among the most affected, as rejected exports due to non-compliance lead to income instability, food waste, and limited trade access. The financial strain has impacted entire rural communities that rely on agriculture as their main source of income. By preserving food quality, supporting regulatory compliance, and strengthening the global supply chain, PROOT enhances the economic resilience of agricultural communities, improves consumer health by eliminating exposure to toxic coatings, and contributes to global food security through more efficient and sustainable post-harvest practices.