Extending shelf life with antioxidants innovation

Reducing waste through natural preservative solutions  

Food waste remains one of the most pressing challenges across the global food and pet food industries. A significant contributor to this issue is oxidation; a natural process that leads to rancidity, off-flavors, and ultimately, premature product spoilage. At Caldic, innovation and sustainability are closely aligned, and the company is helping manufacturers tackle this challenge head-on. 

The importance of tailored antioxidant solutions 

Antioxidants play a critical role in preserving product quality. By stabilizing fats and oils, they slow down oxidation and ensure products maintain freshness throughout distribution and storage. This not only protects the integrity of the product but also directly reduces waste caused by early spoilage. “Antioxidants are one of the most effective tools we have to combat food waste at its source,” says Dr. Soheil Hajirahimkhan, Product Manager, at Caldic. “By controlling oxidation from the very beginning, we help manufacturers extend shelf life, maintain quality, and significantly reduce the amount of product that gets discarded.” 

However, selecting the right antioxidant solution is far from a one-size-fits-all approach. Different food matrices respond differently to oxidation, making it essential to combine scientific testing with expert formulation review. Dadex’s tailored synthetic and natural antioxidant blends are designed to meet these specific needs, ensuring optimal performance for each application. 

Supporting sustainable packaging innovation 

This expertise is becoming even more critical as the industry shifts toward more sustainable packaging solutions. While biodegradable and eco-friendly materials are an important step forward, they often allow greater oxygen permeability; accelerating oxidation and increasing the risk of spoilage. “As packaging evolves to become more sustainable, the need for effective antioxidant systems becomes even greater,” Soheil explains. “Our solutions are designed to offset these challenges, enabling brands to adopt greener packaging without compromising on shelf life or product quality.” 

Proven results: A customer success story  

A recent collaboration highlights the tangible impact of this approach. A manufacturer of cracker-type snacks was experiencing significant shelf-life issues, with products turning rancid within six months and showing signs of oxidation immediately after production. Initial peroxide values measured at 8.6 meq/kg, with p-anisidine values at 3.4 meq/kg; well above acceptable thresholds. After a thorough evaluation and testing of several proprietary Dadex blends, the team identified the optimal antioxidant system. The results were transformative: peroxide values dropped to zero, p-anisidine levels were reduced to 1.5 meq/kg, and the product’s shelf life extended to over 12 months. “This is a great example of how science-driven solutions can deliver real business impact,” says Soheil. “By getting the antioxidant system right, we not only solved a quality issue but also helped our customer reduce waste, protect their brand, and improve end-customer satisfaction.” 

This success story underscores a broader truth: preventing oxidation is key to preventing waste. With Caldic’s expertise and commitment to innovation, manufacturers can confidently deliver high-quality products that last longer; keeping more food out of landfills and supporting a more sustainable future. 

Dr. Soheil Hajirahimkhan is the Product Manager for Caldic’s Dadex® and Vegetol® brands. With a background in Materials Chemistry and nearly a decade of experience in the food industry, Soheil has developed deep expertise in stabilizing oil-based systems across food, beverage, and pet food industries. At Caldic, Soheil leads commercial and scientific strategies for antioxidants and oil blends, helping customers extend shelf life and improve product quality through advanced synergistic natural and synthetic solutions.