Entrepreneurship

Overview

Antibacjacket is a biodegradable cling film based on chitosan and sodium alginate, utilizing ε-polylysine produced by engineered Bacillus subtilis for antimicrobial functionality. The product features a dual-layer structure that maintains mechanical strength while effectively inhibiting microbial growth and extending food freedom.

The project has completed laboratory-scale strain engineering and film preparation process validation. Prototype testing demonstrates reliable antibacterial performance and biodegradability. Target markets include households, food service providers, and fresh produce suppliers, with demand validated through 500 consumer surveys and multiple enterprise interviews.

We are currently preparing for China's GB food safety certification while optimizing production processes for cost control. The core technology has been patented, establishing a foundation for industrial-scale production.

Fig1. Demonstration of final product

Problems

Plastic wrap is a type of packaging product, typically made from ethylene as the main raw material through a polymerization process. The plastic wrap market is mainly divided into three categories: plastic wraps, biodegradable wraps, and composite wraps. Among them, plastic wrap has long dominated the market due to its low cost and wide range of applications. It is widely used in microwave food heating, refrigerator food storage, and the packaging of fresh and cooked foods, playing an important role in households, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, and industrial food packaging.

In 2025, the food plastic wrap industry is showing significant technological innovation and market differentiation. The global market size is expected to exceed USD 12 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) remaining above 6.5%. As the second-largest consumer market, China contributes approximately 30% of global demand (Global Environmental Research Network, 2025).

However, current plastic wraps on the market present three major challenges for both consumers and the environment. First, they provide little to no antibacterial effect; even when food is covered, bacterial growth continues rapidly, accelerating food spoilage. In 2019, Consumer Reports commissioned a third-party authority to test 14 types of plastic wrap for key safety indicators such as total bacterial colony count and potassium permanganate consumption. The results revealed that some wraps not only failed to inhibit bacterial growth but actually facilitated it.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 600 million people—nearly one-tenth of the global population—fall ill each year from contaminated food, leading to 420,000 deaths. Improper packaging and storage are key contributing factors. This not only increases the risk of foodborne illnesses but also contributes significantly to food waste: studies show that 10–20% of packaged food is discarded before being consumed. In developing countries, more than 40% of food loss occurs between harvest and retail, with microbial spoilage being one of the primary causes. This persistent problem of food waste could be alleviated through the use of antibacterial food wraps.

Table1. Bacterial colony count test results of 14 types of plastic wrap on watermelon samples (Consumer Reports, 2019)

Secondly, in order to improve the flexibility and durability of plastic wrap, some products contain plasticizers. DEHP, the most widely used plasticizer, can accumulate in the human body at high doses over time, severely disrupting the endocrine system and interfering with hormone metabolism. This may lead to disorders in sexual development among children, such as shortened genitalia and underdeveloped secondary sexual characteristics. In addition, DEHP has been shown to have carcinogenic effects in animals (Zhu, 2015).

Moreover, the material itself represents a long-term pollutant: most conventional wraps are made from non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastics that can persist for decades in landfills or leak into the ocean, threatening marine species such as turtles and fish. Globally, more than 300 million tons of plastic waste are generated every year, with a significant proportion coming from single-use packaging such as plastic wraps. Traditional PE/PVC wraps require hundreds of years to degrade in natural environments, during which they fragment into microplastics—posing even greater risks as they infiltrate global food chains and have even been detected in human blood (Schwabl et al., 2019). Studies have further shown that plastic wraps can significantly alter microbial diversity in wetlands. Therefore, traditional plastic wraps pose an enormous environmental threat (Lin et al., 2024).

Fig2. Environmental Fate of Plastic Films in Artificial Wetlands

In summary, conventional plastic wraps not only accelerate food waste and pose risks to human health, but also exacerbate the global plastic pollution crisis—underscoring the urgent need for safer and more sustainable alternatives. In response to the drawbacks of plastic packaging, many countries have imposed restrictions. In China, the “dual carbon” targets have driven the penetration rate of biodegradable materials to 28%, while the European Union’s updated Food Contact Materials (FCM) regulation has raised the threshold for recycled plastics. As a result, the price of polyethylene (PE) is projected to increase by 12% year-on-year in 2025, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production capacity has been reduced by 15% due to environmental constraints. These developments highlight the rising manufacturing costs of plastic wraps and the urgent market demand for high-end, innovative products such as antibacterial films.

Solution

Our product is designed to simultaneously address the issue of food waste caused by spoilage and the environmental challenges arising from excessive plastic use. We have developed a novel biodegradable antibacterial food wrap—Antibacjacket—targeting household users and food suppliers, with a particular focus on fruit distribution and the food service industry.

The wrap features a dual-layer functional structure: ε-polylysine synthesized by genetically engineered Bacillus subtilis is polymerized with chitosan to provide antibacterial efficacy; sodium alginate blended with glycerol enhances film-forming properties and delivers a smooth coating surface. To improve the mechanical performance of the film and optimize user tactile experience, we have also incorporated calcium ions between the two layers.

Fig3. Dual-layer functional structure of the product

Core Principle Analysis

ε-Poly-L-Lysine (ε-PLL) is a homopolymer composed of 25–30 lysine residues. In this polymer, the ε-amino group of lysine residues forms amide bonds with the α-carboxyl group, hence the name ε-polylysine. According to extensive research, ε-PLL is currently produced by Streptomyces albulus under aerobic fermentation conditions. Industrial production has already been achieved in Japan, and domestic companies have also conducted pilot-scale industrial production. ε-PLL exhibits high antimicrobial activity, excellent thermal stability, safety, and biodegradability:

1. High Antimicrobial Activity: ε-PLL effectively inhibits a wide range of microorganisms, including Gram-positive (G+) and Gram-negative (G−) bacteria, yeasts, molds, and viruses, thereby significantly slowing food spoilage.

2. Excellent Heat Resistance: Our packaging film can withstand steaming without losing its integrity or performance, making it suitable for a wide range of culinary applications.

3. Safety: ε-PLL is a linear polymer of lysine; it can be fully broken down into lysine in the human body, which is completely digestible and non-toxic, without any side effects.

4. Biodegradability: Both chitosan and ε-PLL possess good biocompatibility and biodegradability. Packaging films prepared from these two materials meet green and environmentally friendly standards.

Fig4. Chemical structure of ε-polylysine

Secondly, chitosan is a natural polymer with characteristics including antimicrobial activity, non-toxicity, biodegradability, edibility, and film-forming ability. It is the second most abundant biopolymer in nature after cellulose and holds significant research and application value (Huang et al., 2025). Compared with polyethylene (PE) films, chitosan-based films offer advantages such as high safety and biodegradability. In addition to its intrinsic antimicrobial properties, chitosan can form a dense physical barrier on the film surface, inhibiting gas exchange and slowing down the respiration of fruits and vegetables.

Sodium alginate (SA) is a natural polysaccharide derived from marine sources, mainly found in the cell walls and cytoplasmic matrix of brown algae (Wang et al., 2025). It can form a hydrophilic semipermeable barrier on the surface of fruits, reducing water loss and respiration rates. Moreover, SA is safe, biodegradable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly, making it an excellent film-forming agent (Yu et al., 2024).

Table2. Comparison of traditional plastic wrap and Antibacjacket

Environmentally Safe: Compared with traditional plastic packaging, our product is biodegradable and non-toxic. All core materials — PLL, chitosan, and sodium alginate — are FDA-approved GRAS substances, safe for direct food contact. This completely eliminates health risks associated with plasticizers, such as phthalates, that may migrate from conventional PVC wraps.

1. High Antimicrobial Efficiency: By combining a physical barrier with chemical protection, our product provides a dual antimicrobial defense mechanism, effectively extending the shelf life of fresh foods, reducing waste, and lowering environmental impact.

2. High Feasibility: The use of engineered microbial synthesis not only reduces production costs compared with traditional extraction methods but also enables scalable and sustainable manufacturing. This results in shorter production cycles and safer use for consumers, providing greater convenience in both household and commercial applications.

3. Significant Multi-Scenario Value: For fruit distributors and retailers, using this product directly reduces inventory loss due to spoilage and lowers logistics costs. Additionally, the “biodegradable and antimicrobial” label enhances brand image and meets consumer demand for environmentally friendly products, becoming a valuable marketing asset. The product’s antimicrobial and non-toxic properties also make it highly suitable for medical applications, where it can be safely used on medical devices and in clinical practice.

Stakeholder & Market Analysis

Stakeholder analysis

After a little online research, we determined household use, restaurant & food service, and fruit suppliers as the main market segmentations. For each of them, we conducted interviews and surveys to get deeper insight, improving our product as well as promoting it.

1. Household Use

According to the results of our questionnaire designed for citizens, which includes about 500 effective responses, more than 71.25% of people use food wrap more than 3 times per week, indicating the commercial potential of our product.

Fig5. Survey Results on the Frequency of Food Wrap Usage Among Residents

Also, it indicates that the most common issues consumers face with conventional plastic wrap are food spoilage, potential health risks, and undesirable odors. Our product effectively addresses all three of these challenges, providing enhanced food preservation, ensuring safety with non-toxic materials, and maintaining odor-free freshness.

Fig6. Survey Results on problems that citizens usually meet when using food wrap

Finally, as for the function of the wrap that citizens care most about, citizens rate antibacterial and safety as the top two important functions, while only slightly more than 20% of citizens consider environmental factors important. This tells us that while eco-friendliness is a core advantage, our consumer marketing should focus on antibacterial performance and safety to maximize sales.

Fig7. Survey Results on the function of food wrap

2. Restaurant & food service

Target clients include upscale restaurants and chain Restaurants. For upscale restaurants like Michelin-starred restaurants, five-star hotels, and premium Japanese cuisine establishments, they have specialized requirements, such as food-contact safety certifications and customized film sizes to fit unique serving dishes. For casual Restaurants, target clients include central kitchens and pre-prepared meal manufacturers. These clients prioritize bulk procurement, consistent supply, and customized cutting services to integrate seamlessly into their production workflow. Our scalable manufacturing process and adaptable product formats enable us to satisfy these needs, providing reliability and operational efficiency for large-scale foodservice operations. Interviews with SUTPC Canteen and Hewei soup also enable us to identify our future work: improve our credibility through obtaining China’s food safety GB certificate.

Fig8. Interview with SUTPC Canteen

3. Fruit Suppliers

Target clients include fruit wholesalers handling highly perishable fruits such as lychees and strawberries, as well as specialized fruit chains. Their core needs are to extend shelf life by 1–2 days, reduce losses during transportation (currently averaging 8–15%), and meet the environmental standards required by large supermarkets. Our product addresses these needs by providing biodegradable, antimicrobial films that protect fruit quality and comply with eco-friendly packaging regulations. Also, for sale promotion, they expect brand-consistent appearance, transparency, and anti-fog performance. Through our interviews with Farmers from Luojia Ping Village and Lychee Orchard Farmers, we identity market potentials in this field.

Market analysis

The total size of China's preservative film market is estimated at approximately RMB 5 billion annually. Within this market, functional preservative films—such as antibacterial and biodegradable variants—currently represent a niche segment with a penetration rate of less than 5%. However, this segment is expanding rapidly, with an annual growth rate exceeding 25%.

In terms of the addressable market, the household sector presents substantial potential. With a base of 120 million urban households according to the National Bureau of Statistics 2024 data, and assuming a target penetration rate of 3% in the first year rising to 15% by the third year, at a unit price of RMB 25 per roll (30cm × 30m), the household market size is projected to reach RMB 900 million in Year 1 and grow to RMB 4.5 billion by Year 3.

The commercial market also offers significant opportunities. This includes approximately 5,000 fruit wholesalers, each with an average annual procurement expenditure ranging between RMB 20,000 and 50,000, as well as around 200,000 catering enterprises, each spending an average of RMB 5,000 to RMB 10,000 per year on preservative films.

These projections are supported by multiple industry sources. Data from the China Food Packaging Association shows that the demand growth rate for functional preservative films reached 28% in 2024. Additionally, Ministry of Commerce figures indicate that the fresh food retail sector is growing at 15% annually, which in turn drives packaging demand. Third-party research from iResearch further confirms the market's positive trajectory, reporting that China’s biodegradable packaging market scale is expected to exceed RMB 12 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.5%.

Summary

Based on stakeholders' feedbacks, we've defined our primary markets and channels as below:

Table3. Market segmentation & market channel

These interviews also helped us crystallize our strategic priorities moving forward. We will vary our products to better suit the needs in different industries, including bags for fruit suppliers and containers for The Food & Beverage Industry.

Fig9. Possible alternative form for Antibacjacket

Alao, to make our product more acceptable, We have outlined a clear pathway to obtain China's GB certification (National Standards of the People’s Republic of China)

Fig10. Pathway to obtain China's GB certificate

Possibility and Strategy

Competition Analysis

It is crucial for us to identify potential competitors and closely monitor their market dynamics, product innovations, and marketing strategies, enabling Antibacjacket to promptly adjust its competitive strategies. To better understand our market position, we catergorized our competitors into direct competitors and indirect competitors.

Direct Competitors

A direct competitor of Antibacjacket is defined as a company that offers food packaging films specifically designed to be both biodegradable and antimicrobial. These competitors compete with us for the same customer base and market share in the sustainable and functional packaging sector.

To effectively distinguish Antibacjacket from direct competitors, SMS-Shenzhen should emphasize its unique attributes and strengths, which primarily encompass the use of a food-grade, highly effective antimicrobial agent (ε-PLL) produced via a high-efficiency, engineered Bacillus subtilis system, and a special bilayer film structure that optimizes both mechanical and antimicrobial properties. This can be accomplished through impactful advertising campaigns highlighting our product's natural safety and superior performance, and the acquisition of authoritative certifications.

Indirect Competitors

The indirect competitors of Antibacjacket are traditional plastic cling films and other food preservation methods that do not possess both biodegradability and targeted antimicrobial properties. These companies may attract the attention of potential customers due to lower cost, brand familiarity, or established distribution channels, thereby indirectly impacting our market share.

It is common for customers facing food spoilage issues to choose traditional solutions from large brands, even if these products contribute to plastic pollution and do not actively combat microbial growth. To attract this type of customer, our product should establish a robust brand identity that enhances credibility and fosters purchase preference among consumers. This brand identity can be strengthened through strategic partnerships with reputable food safety organizations, collaborations with well-known retailers and food brands, and endorsements from culinary or environmental influencers (GreatBay-SCIE iGEM Team, 2024).

Table4. Competitor analysis

Future Competitors

Future competitors are potential businesses that may compete with us in the future. As awareness of food safety and environmental sustainability rises, more innovative and efficient packaging solutions that focus on full biodegradability and high-efficacy, natural antimicrobial functions could emerge to compete for this expanding market.

To maintain our market position in the future, SMS-Shenzhen should actively explore new product formulations and applications (e.g., films for specific food types, medical packaging) while continuously enhancing the production efficiency and performance of our existing offering. Achieving these objectives requires a robust connection with customers and stakeholders to effectively design products that not only meet sustainability standards but also precisely address their specific needs for food preservation, safety, and convenience.

Competitiveness Analysis

To enhance the understanding of Antibacjacket's competitiveness and limitations, we have delineated the potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the SWOT diagram presented below.

Fig11. SWOT analysis

Strengths

· Comprehensive preservation: Effectively inhibits microbial growth and extends food freshness through ε-PLL’s antimicrobial action.
· Eco-friendly & biodegradable: Made from chitosan, sodium alginate, and ε-PLL—all biodegradable materials that reduce plastic pollution.
· Safe & non-toxic: Uses food-grade ε-PLL, recognized as safe by FAO/WHO, leaving no harmful residues.
· Sustainable production: Engineered Bacillus subtilis enables efficient, scalable ε-PLL fermentation using glucose.
· Reduced resistance risk: Antimicrobial mechanism based on membrane disruption lowers potential for microbial resistance.

Weaknesses

· Limited production scalability: Requires specialized fermentation and purification equipment, raising initial investment costs.
· Narrow application scope: Performance may vary under extreme temperatures or humidity, limiting use cases.
· Dependence on material compatibility: Balancing ε-PLL incorporation with film mechanical strength remains challenging.

Opportunities

· Growing demand for sustainable packaging: Increased consumer and regulatory push for biodegradable solutions.
· Government incentives: Policies supporting green products and reduced plastic waste create favorable market entry conditions.
· Gaps in conventional packaging: Traditional cling films lack antimicrobial functionality, offering a clear competitive edge.
· Potential for investor funding: Rising interest in biotech and sustainable material innovation attracts angel and impact investors.
· Expandable product line: Opportunities to develop specialized films for pharmaceuticals, agriculture, or cosmetics.

Threats

· Consumer skepticism: Low awareness or trust in biosynthetic products compared to established brands.
· Strong competition: Competing firms introducing innovative biodegradable or antimicrobial packaging materials.
· Market preference for cheap alternatives: Price-sensitive customers may opt for low-cost conventional plastic wraps.
· Regulatory hurdles: Compliance with international food-contact and safety standards requires time and resources.

Strategy

Strategic Responses to Weakness and Threats

To increase the likelihood of establishing a successful enterprise, we have developed several strategies to address the weaknesses of Dienamite and mitigate potential threats. Recently, we have actively sought solutions.

Table5. Weakness and Threats & Strategic Responses

Pricing

The cost structure of Antibacjacket includes raw material, research & development and production cost.

Table6. Cost structure

Therefore, while our fixed cost is the cost of 1840.14 CNY, our marginal cost is diminishing. Assume only 10 of our devices work for 5000 hours (each hour produces roughly 0.47g ε-Pll), then our ε-Polylysine production per gram is:
(1840.14 + 5000 * 0.2) ÷ 0.47 ÷ 50000 = 0.5038 CNY / g,
which is lower than the market price 1.73 CNY / m². Moreover, it should be pointed out that this calculation is based on the model of purification device (which can only filter 0.15L bacteria solution at a time). If our model is constructed on an industrialized scale, the efficiency will be much higher, and it will be faster for our ε-Pll production cost to get lower than the market price.

And our final cost of cling film per square is:
1.79 + 1.707 + 3.556 + 0.533 = 7.586 CNY / m²

Based on our citizens' survey on willingness to pay, we decide the final price of Antibacjacket to be 12 CNY.

Fig12. Survey results on citizens' willingness-to-pay

Business Model

After finishing all the interview and analysis, we utilized the Lean Canvas to summary the key components ofour business plan.

Fig13. Lean canvas

Product development plan

Timeline

When it comes to the future development plan of our product, we summarize information we got through interviews with various parties. Based on those information and understanding, we have given considerable thought to Antibacjacket's development plans. Below is the overall timeline for Antibacjacket's future progress and our future work.

Fig14. Future plan

Expansion Plan and Long-Term Vision

After completing the initial market entry and product validation, SMS-Shenzhen will focus on the core strategic direction of "green, health, and sustainability," gradually expanding its product line, extending its application markets, and ultimately becoming a global leader in biodegradable functional packaging materials.

1. Product Diversification: From a Single Product to a Series

Building on the existing composite cling film technology based on poly-L-lysine, sodium alginate, and chitosan, the company will continue to develop a diverse range of product forms to meet the needs of different application scenarios.
In the short term, the company will launch multi-specification cling films for households, catering services, high-end supermarkets, and cold chain transportation enterprises. These will include different thicknesses, sizes, and functional cling films specifically optimized for fruits, meats, and dairy products.
On this basis, the company will also develop extended products such as food preservation bags, antibacterial sprays, and food liner films, to comprehensively cover the food preservation and packaging needs of households and food suppliers. This series-based layout will enhance customer loyalty and market penetration.

2. Market Extension: Targeting High-Value Areas and the Global Market

After the initial market capture in food preservation, the company plans to extend into higher-value and more strategically significant markets.
· Daily Food Preservation: The current focus is on high-end household users, supermarkets, and food suppliers, particularly in the fruit distribution segment of the preservation market, replacing traditional plastic and new biodegradable material cling films.
· Post-Harvest Preservation in Agriculture: Introducing the product into the post-harvest preservation of agricultural products, such as covering and protecting berries, leafy vegetables, and high-value fruits, to extend shelf life and reduce losses. This will help farmers and distributors lower loss rates and enhance the export competitiveness of agricultural products.
· Pet Food Packaging: With the upgrade of pet consumption, there is a growing demand for the safety and preservation of pet food packaging. Biodegradable and antibacterial materials can offer a competitive edge.
· Medical and Laboratory Supplies: Leveraging the antibacterial and biodegradable properties of poly-L-lysine and chitosan, the company will develop medical dressings, band-aid protective films, and laboratory supplies. These markets have high entry barriers, but once safety validation and certification are obtained, they offer significant premium space and market share.

In terms of international market strategy, the company will first focus on the Chinese market, where it has local advantages, to complete initial validation and market expansion based on local demand and policy orientation. Subsequently, it will enter the European and American markets, leveraging their well-established green certification systems and eco-friendly consumer trends to enhance the international influence and market share of the product.

Reference