A new sustainable packaging technology developed by Israeli company StePac is said to significantly prolong the shelf life of mushrooms while reducing the use of plastic.

StePac’s modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) films are designed to preserve the flavor, nutrition and texture of fresh, whole and sliced mushrooms, such as oyster, lion’s mane, shiitake, portabella and more.

According to data by Emergen Research, the global mushroom market is valued at more than $50 billion and is expected to double by 2030.

White mushrooms, however, are considered to be highly perishable and have a shelf life of just a few days, making them not very cost efficient and wasteful.

MAP has been proven to extend mushroom shelf life to more than two weeks, by reducing dehydration of the mushrooms and expelling excess moisture from the packaging.

VP of Marketing for Marina Galilee Mushrooms Roni Sofer reported that StePac’s packaging helped the company reduce supply chain waste by more than 35%.

“We strongly recommend to any mushroom grower or supplier to examine this solution,” said Sofer.

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StePac CIO Yossi Blank is a Technion alumnus.