Sweden-based packaging company ifoodbag has completed tests on its new carrier bags that are capable of keeping food items frozen for up to 24 hours.
The water-resistant carrier bags, trials of which began last year, have been produced using paper with cooler and freezer functions. The bags can be used by e-commerce companies that sell foodstuffs online, as well as food shops.
The company said that while the product is still in the development stage, the positive results will now encourage further development. Independent experts from the Research Institute Innventia conducted the tests.
While the bags will be able to keep the food products frozen for a longer time, it will not burden producers with extra costs as they will be available at the same price as traditional paper bags, ifoodbag added.
Ifoodbag CEO and Karl Fall Branch said: "The bag achieved the expected test results and we have proved that the product works.
"Although it is not on the market yet, we have already noticed a huge interest among both national and international stakeholders. We have even signatory agreements with several customers and new investors are constantly emerging."
The company said in a statement that that new concept would mean easier and cheaper transport of frozen and refrigerated goods which would also improve food quality and decrease the requirement of additives.
The bags will also help in reducing waste as unused food can be protected.
Investor in ifoodbag and new partner Fredrik Wester said: "The ifoodbag has proven everyone who thought a paper carrier bag could only ever be a paper carrier bag wrong. And instead of handing a customer a finished solution, ifoodbag has developed a product based on an actual need."
