Aptar– Food Protection, part of AptarGroup, Inc. and a leader in active material science food safety solutions, has expanded its SeaWell active packaging system into the e-commerce category. Already utilized by major retailers across the U.S., the novel active packaging solution – designed to help maintain seafood freshness, quality and aesthetics – has now been adopted for direct-to-consumer shipping of various seafood items including filets, whole fish and shellfish like crab legs, scallops and shrimp.

In response to customer feedback, two leading home delivery companies have now adopted SeaWell technology 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.

“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,” said 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.”

“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,” said 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.”

About Aptar – Food Protection
Aptar– Food Protection is part of AptarGroup, Inc., a global leader in the drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing and protection technologies. Aptar – Food Protection provides food safety solutions, applying unique active packaging science along with equipment and processing expertise to develop advanced systems that help extend freshness and enhance safety of fresh-cut produce, seafood, and more. The company offers custom active packaging solutions that protect against foodborne pathogens, reduce food waste, and deliver improved consumer experiences. In addition to their active packaging solutions, the company’s portfolio includes a range of packing trays, pouches, retail and mini containers, slicing equipment, lidding film, and tray-sealing technology.