We’re proud to support industries where precision, performance, and reliability are non-negotiable, and that includes projects that reach beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.
In one of our most exciting collaborations to date, we partnered with aerospace food specialists Eat Freedom to develop a bespoke space packaging solution designed for space consumption aboard the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Minerva mission. The packaged meals were delivered to ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, marking a milestone not just for us as a manufacturer, but for the creative potential of flexible barrier foil packaging in the most extreme environments.
A Mission-Critical Challenge: Space Packaging for Gourmet Food
When preparing food for space missions, strict performance standards must be met. Unlike standard commercial or terrestrial food packaging, food sent to the International Space Station (ISS) must:
- Remain stable and safe to consume for 18–24 months or more
- Withstand the vacuum of space and extreme temperature fluctuations
- Retain flavour, texture, and nutritional value—critical for the health and morale of astronauts
- Be designed for zero-gravity consumption, enabling direct consumption from the pouch
- Meet rigorous safety and hygiene regulations applicable to space missions
The project demanded not only technical expertise in materials science, but also a high level of collaboration to ensure every detail was engineered to support life in microgravity.
The Brief: Preserving Quality in Extreme Environments
Eat Freedom’s objective was to provide gourmet freeze-dried meals that delivered both optimal nutrition and a memorable culinary experience, no small feat when working in space.
However, they encountered three significant packaging challenges:
- Thermostabilisation – The packaging had to maintain food stability and safety over long durations, with no risk of contamination or degradation.
- Nutritional and sensory preservation – Retaining the original appearance, texture, flavour, and nutrient profile was essential, despite freeze-drying.
- Functionality in space – The packaging had to be robust yet lightweight, easy to open, and suitable for consumption directly from the pouch in a weightless environment.
Our Solution: Custom-Engineered Barrier Foil Pouches
Drawing on our extensive experience in barrier packaging, we designed custom flat pouches made from a multi-layer laminate material, including 9 microns of aluminium foil. This food contact-approved composite offers:
- Exceptional moisture, oxygen, and light barriers to prevent degradation
- Extended shelf life in line with ESA’s mission requirements
- Retention of flavour, colour, and texture even after freeze-drying
- Mechanical durability for secure storage and transport through launch conditions
- Safe, hygienic consumption from the pouch with minimal waste or risk
Every element of the design was carefully developed and tested in collaboration with the Eat Freedom team to meet the specifications of the Minerva mission.
A Stellar Outcome: Packaging That Delivered—Literally
The result? Our barrier foil pouches were successfully used to package and deliver meals to ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti aboard the ISS. The project proved not only the technical performance of our materials but also our ability to meet extraordinary customer challenges, even when those challenges lie in outer space.
Our solution helped ensure:
- Food safety and stability over extended periods
- Preserved flavour and texture for optimal astronaut well-being
- A seamless consumption experience, meeting functional and regulatory demands
More Than Just Packaging: A Partner in Innovation
This project is a clear example of what we do best, transforming complex requirements into simple, scalable packaging solutions. Whether on Earth or in orbit, we apply the same principles to every challenge:
- ISO 9001:2015 assured quality
- Innovative, custom-designed products
- Responsive and collaborative service
- No minimum order quantities
- Fast lead times and global delivery capabilities
Ready to Launch Your Next Big Idea?
Whether you’re shipping to a remote outpost or preparing for orbital deployment, we’re here to help you protect what matters most.Talk to our team of experts who will be happy to work with you to develop a solution.