Supporting shelf-life and packaging development for North Pacific Kelp Wild Foods’ kelp biostimulant
Cynthia Riddle, Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab
North Pacific Kelp Wild Foods (NPK) in Haidi Gwaii, British Columbia partnered with the Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab (CFRIL) to explore strategies for improving shelf-life and identifying sustainable packaging options for their kelp-based biostimulant product. The goal was to ensure product stability under ambient conditions while maintaining a strong sustainability focus as the company scales its operations.
CFRIL provided recommendations to support the development of a shelf-stable formulation, including guidance on processing methods and potential formulation adjustments. The team also reviewed packaging needs for both small-format and bulk containers, suggesting several options based on sustainability, durability, and compatibility with the product’s handling and storage requirements.
The collaboration supports NPK’s efforts to expand into new markets by improving product longevity and aligning packaging choices with their environmental values. The insights generated from this project will guide future decision-making as the company continues to grow its product line and distribution reach.
Funding for this project was provided by the National Research Council Canada.


