Business Insider

Copperprotek, a biotechnology company based in Chile, has announced a significant scientific advancement in the ongoing battle against foodborne pathogens—one that may reshape how the industry handles surface contamination. 

With a focus on eliminating the stubborn bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, Copperprotek’s latest copper-based microparticle treatment delivers a science-backed, scalable solution for food processors worldwide.

Surfaces in food processing facilities may look clean, but on a microscopic level it’s notoriously difficult to maintain pristine sterility. These surfaces are riddled with microscopic pores—tiny imperfections where bacteria like Listeria find shelter and multiply. Over time, they develop biofilms: dense, sticky layers that protect the bacteria and make removal nearly impossible through standard cleaning methods.

The challenge is well-known in the industry. Listeria’s ability to survive routine sanitation efforts poses a serious threat, not just to food safety but also to consumer trust and brand reputation. While Copperprotek has long focused on antimicrobial packaging and bacterial prevention, rising concern over Listeria led them to prioritize research in this area over the past two years.

The result? A targeted microparticle solution built from copper-based technology that doesn’t just kill bacteria but actively disrupts the formation of biofilms. According to Santiago Salvestrini, the Commercial Director,, the formula zeroes in on the microscopic niches where Listeria thrives, neutralizing colonies before they become embedded in protective layers.

To validate their findings, Copperprotek submitted the new treatment for third-party testing. The results speak volumes.

On food-contact surfaces like packaging materials, a 100 mg/m² dosage resulted in a 99.9% reduction in Listeria. On logistics and production surfaces such as conveyor belts and cutting boards—areas particularly prone to cross-contamination—a higher dosage of 200 mg/m² achieved a 99.99% reduction, with complete prevention of biofilm formation.

It’s a meaningful distinction: Copperprotek’s solution isn’t just reactive—it’s preventive. That alone makes it a potential game-changer in food safety, especially for manufacturers of ready-to-eat or perishable products where contamination risks run high.

The company notes that this technology is specifically engineered for surface-level decontamination. It doesn’t eliminate bacteria embedded inside the food itself, but it does create a protective barrier against external threats during processing and packaging. Combined with existing food safety protocols, the treatment can be part of a layered defense strategy that extends shelf life, reduces spoilage complaints, and improves the overall safety profile of food products.

What also sets Copperprotek apart is the adaptability of the technology. While the current formula is optimized for Listeria, it can be tweaked to target other dangerous microbes like Clostridium difficile, depending on the application. This flexibility positions Copperprotek as a niche solution and a platform for broader contamination control in global food systems.

The company’s copper-based biotech has already gained regulatory traction, earning both FDA and USDA certifications. It’s also seamlessly integrable into packaging materials, making it easy for food companies to implement without disrupting current operations. And with an emphasis on sustainability, Copperprotek aims to support food producers in reducing waste while boosting the quality and safety of the food supply chain.

“We’re not just creating treatments,” explains President Johnathan Raineau.  “We’re building intelligent, science-driven systems to help food producers deliver better, safer products to their markets.”

As the food industry grapples with growing concerns about safety, waste, and public health, Copperprotek’s innovation arrives at a pivotal moment. With Listeria outbreaks still making headlines and regulators tightening controls, scalable solutions like this aren’t just welcome—they’re necessary.

For companies seeking a more innovative, more resilient approach to food safety, Copperprotek’s copper microparticle breakthrough may offer precisely that.