Copperprotek
The Copperprotek-tive Solution for Smart Packaging

Copper is an essential trace element that has been used for millennia by various cultures, such as the Egyptians and Romans, for its antimicrobial properties. This ancient wisdom found a modern advocate in Javier Lavin, whose career began in the retail business. It wasn’t until Lavin worked in the copper mines of northern Chile that he realized copper’s potential extended far beyond traditional applications, like animal feed supplements. He discovered that copper’s natural ability to control bacteria could have transformative implications for food preservation.

Lavin's extensive knowledge of the food industry, paired with his expertise in copper, fueled the creation of Copperprotek’s innovative microparticle technology, setting the stage for the company’s breakthrough into the food packaging sector. The Chilean startup is now among the first to commercialize copper microparticles, using them to extend the shelf life of food and revolutionize the packaging industry.

“We bring one of nature's oldest antimicrobial agents into the future with our copper-infused packaging, offering a clean and effective way to preserve food quality and extend shelf life,” says Javier Lavin, co-founder of Copperprotek.

FDA Approval: A Major Breakthrough for Copper-Based Biotech

One of Copperprotek's most significant achievements is securing FDA and USDA approval for its copper-based packaging technology. This landmark approval has positioned Copperprotek as the first company in the world to have copper biotech certified by the FDA.

“It’s important to note that while copper is a naturally occurring and well-studied mineral, gaining FDA approval for a food contact material was a rigorous process that took over two years,” says Lavin.

The FDA approval validates the safety and effectiveness of Copperprotek’s technology, clearing the way for its use in food packaging across North America.

Copper microparticles act as antimicrobial agents against bacteria and enhance food safety standards. This approval also opens doors for wider adoption in the food industry, including Mexican food companies that export to the U.S., where compliance with safety regulations is paramount.

Copper-Infused Packaging for Extended Shelf Life

Copperprotek’s flagship product is a masterbatch—a plastic resin containing patented copper microparticles that can be easily integrated into food packaging production. The product extends the shelf life of food by 20 to 100 percent, particularly for animal-based products, which are prone to spoilage and have a significant environmental impact.

The innovation of this packaging lies in its ability to release copper ions when environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity change. These ions inhibit bacterial growth, making the packaging ‘smart’ by reacting to disruptions in the cold chain that typically lead to food spoilage.

“The packaging preserves food quality until the end of its shelf life, resulting in fewer complaints, better customer experiences, and improved profitability for food companies,” says JJ Mac-Auliffe, Marketing Manager of Copperprotek.

The Brains Behind Copperprotek’s Success

Copperprotek’s success stems from its highly specialized team of experts in biotechnology, microbiology, and the food industry. The company has worked closely with world-class advisors and board members to address complex regulatory, technical, and commercial challenges. The team’s expertise was instrumental in obtaining FDA and FSIS approval, as they worked directly with officials from those organizations to meet stringent safety and compliance requirements.

Scaling Operations and Entering Global Markets

Copperprotek is now focused on growing in North America and collaborating with some of the region’s largest food packaging producers. The company is expected to expand into Europe in 2026 and Asia in 2027. It is also concentrating on protein-based products, where its technology has the greatest potential to extend shelf life and reduce waste.

Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Biotechnology

Copperprotek is leading the way toward a more sustainable and efficient food industry by leveraging the natural properties of copper to improve food preservation. With FDA approval and an innovative packaging solution that extends shelf life and maintains food quality, Copperprotek is set to make a major impact on the global food packaging market. As the company continues to expand its reach, it is helping food companies reduce waste and improve product quality by bringing an ancient, natural solution into the modern world of biotechnology.