A Chicago startup working to improve the shelf life of produce has moved into a new office in Fulton Market.
Hazel Technologies announced the opening of its new headquarters at 320 N. Sangamon St. The office takes up two floors and 54,000 total square feet in the building.
The space, designed by architecture firm Perkins&Will, houses 55 of Hazel's 75 total employees. The startup said it will continue growing its team throughout the year.
The office will serve as a home to Hazel's business teams as well as its R&D lab. Hazel says the facility is the largest ag-tech R&D operation in the city of Chicago.
Hazel creates packaging inserts that release anti-fungal vapor that can extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. The inserts are placed in boxes of produce at the time of harvest, and can extend the shelf life of produce up to three times by slowing aging in produce and preventing decay.
The new office comes after Hazel raised $70 million last year. Founded in 2015, the startup has worked with more than 250 produce packers, shippers and retailers. By the end of this year, the startup says it will have treated more than 5.7 billion pounds of fresh produce, saving more than 460 million pounds from going to waste.
