Active Packaging Tech Now Delivers Seafood to Your Door

An active packaging system for seafood already used by major retailers across the US has been adopted for ecommerce and other direct-to-consumer channels.

 “SeaWell” technology from Aptar – Food Protection, part of AptarGroup, Inc., was engineered to help maintain seafood freshness, quality and aesthetics. Applicable products include including filets, whole fish and shellfish like crab legs, scallops and shrimp.

Two leading home delivery companies have adopted SeaWell for their seafood-based meal kits to improve consumer experiences with case-to-cook convenience and cleaner handling in the kitchen. In addition to allowing frozen-to-thaw distribution, the SeaWell active packaging system’s integrated technology absorbs excess liquids that would otherwise accumulate around seafood, causing potential product breakdown and negatively impacting both freshness and appearance.

SeaWell active packaging utilizes food contact-safe absorbent materials embedded into its proprietary Drip-Lock technology to trap excess fluids inside patented pockets or wells. This separation reduces the rate of seafood microbial growth, chemical degradation and odor accumulation.

Technology addresses customer complaints.

“The home delivery companies we work with are always listening to the voice of the consumer and making packaging changes to improve user experiences to promote customer loyalty,” says Michael Stephens, CEO, Bama Sea Products. “In particular, shrimp tends to be a prominent cause of customer complaints in the home delivery sector due to leaking, messy handling, and cross-contamination with other proteins. We were delighted to be able to work with Aptar to develop an appropriate SeaWell packaging solution for this market and bring it to commercialization.”

An extra day’s shelf life can make a dramatic difference.

“The SeaWell active packaging system addresses many of the challenges the seafood home delivery market faces, particularly related to keeping products fresh and avoiding messy leaks and spills during transit,” says Neal Watson, VP and General Manager for Aptar – Food Protection. “This innovative technology can deliver as much as an extra day of in-home shelf life, improving consumer experiences, driving customer loyalty, and securing repeat business.”

According to the Aptar website, Seawell packaging is made from laminate, trays, and fabric made from 100% polypropylene. It can be used with trays or pouches.

The packaging is approved for freezer use to -80° F.

It’s available in several standard packaging sizes; custom packaging is also an option.