In today’s world, where food waste is a growing concern, the need for innovative solutions to extend the shelf life of perishable goods has never been more pressing. Mori, a food technology startup based in Boston, Massachusetts, is addressing this challenge by leveraging the natural properties of silk protein to create a protective layer that slows down food spoilage. Founded in 2016, Mori is committed to enhancing sustainability and reducing waste through their novel approach.
From Academia to Innovation
Mori’s journey began in the silk lab of Professor Fiorenzo Omenetto at Tufts University, where the core technology was co-invented by Benedetto Marelli. Their initial research focused on stabilizing drugs and vaccines using silk, but an experiment with coating strawberries led to the breakthrough idea of using silk to preserve food.
Adam Behrens, the CEO of Mori, was drawn to this project due to his passion for creating cost-effective solutions from seemingly simple materials. With a background in chemical engineering from the University of Maryland and experience at MIT’s Langer Lab, Behrens brought a unique blend of academic rigor and entrepreneurial spirit to Mori. Under his leadership, the company has quickly become a leader in food preservation technology.
Mori’s Impact on Food Preservation
Mori’s technology works by applying a water-based silk protein solution to the surface of food, creating an ultra-thin, tasteless, and invisible layer that dramatically slows down spoilage. This natural coating prevents dehydration, oxidation, and microbial growth, thereby extending the shelf life of perishable foods by up to two times.
Unlike traditional preservation methods, Mori’s silk coating is both edible and sustainable, reducing the need for single-use plastics and minimizing food waste. This innovative solution has garnered significant attention from food producers, retailers, and environmentally conscious consumers.
Scaling Mori’s Vision for a Sustainable Future
As Mori continues to grow, the focus remains on scaling its technology to address the global food waste crisis. The company has successfully tested its coating on a wide variety of foods and is working to make its solution accessible on a larger scale. With silk being a plentiful resource, Mori has the potential to coat vast quantities of food with minimal environmental impact.
Behrens and his team are also exploring new applications for their core technology, aiming to create functional foods and other innovative solutions that could further revolutionize the food industry. Mori’s mission is clear: to make healthy food more accessible and sustainable by keeping it fresher for longer, thereby contributing to a more efficient and eco-friendly food supply chain.
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