Fresh food solutions lead to Freshr Technologies
News release
Dartmouth startup to boost production of its biodegradable, waste-cutting packaging
March 7, 2025 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canadian cleantech manufacturers bring skilled jobs to the region and promote made-in-Canada products and eco-friendly practices. The Government of Canada is supporting a local sustainable packaging company as it scales up its manufacturing capacity.
Today, the Honourable Darren Fisher, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth–Cole Harbour, announced a repayable investment $498,750 to Freshr Technologies to expand and improve operations. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
This funding will help the company renovate its facility to accommodate upgrades, such as the installation of a new water filtration system and a HEPA air filter. It will also procure specialized quality assurance equipment, including a mechanical tensile tester which assesses material for strength and stretch, and a surface profilometer which tests surface roughness. Freshr will hire a local engineer to design and operate a new manufacturing line, and engage experts to obtain Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification. These improvements will help Freshr meet and grow demand for its proprietary technology, FreshrPack™, which significantly extends the shelf life of fresh proteins.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting Canadian-owned companies that promote economic growth and sustainable development.
Quotes
“With support from your federal government, Atlantic Canadian startups like Freshr Technologies are leading the way in innovation and turning big ideas into eco-friendly solutions right here at home—helping people and businesses choose sustainable, Canadian-made products.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Companies in Dartmouth—Cole Harbour are doing big things, and Freshr is one of them! Less waste means more value—for Freshr, for its partners, and for Canadians. Freshr Technologies’ products give seafood suppliers in Atlantic Canada a market advantage by extending the shelf life of packaged seafood. Investing in homegrown cleantech creates good jobs and strengthens Nova Scotian businesses by keeping them competitive on a global scale.”
- The Honourable Darren Fisher, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour
“Freshr Technologies is at the forefront of developing sustainable active packaging solutions that extend the shelf life of fresh proteins, starting with seafood. Given Atlantic Canada’s status as a hub for some of North America’s largest seafood companies, relocating to Nova Scotia in 2020 was a natural choice. We are grateful for ACOA’s financial support, which will enable us to scale our innovative technology to meet growing demand both within Atlantic Canada and worldwide.”
- Mina Mekhail, CEO and Founder of Freshr Technologies
Quick facts
-
Freshr Technologies develops and manufactures a naturally derived antibacterial coating that can be applied on fully compostable food packaging film. It extends shelf life by 15-30 per cent by inhibiting bacteria growth, reducing chemical spoilage and minimizing water loss. Freshr products aim to reduce food waste and reliance on traditional plastics.
-
Wasted food results in an estimated $2.6 trillion in annual economic losses worldwide and produces 10 per cent of total global greenhouse gas emissions. Extending shelf life has significant environmental and economic benefits.
-
The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and minister responsible for the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Lori Selig
Acting Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-266-7477
Lori.Selig@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Mina Mekhail
CEO and Founder
Freshr Technologies
902-423-6427
Office@freshr.tech
Stay connected
Follow ACOA on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Page details
- Date modified: