Sugar Energy Technology Debuts at the 2026 Future Food Industry Conference: Application Areas for Food-Grade 5-HMF

On October 16, the 2026 Future Food Industry Conference, themed "Smart Innovation in Jiangnan: Shaping the Future of Food," opened at the Wuxi Sunac Cultural Tourism City Convention Center. The conference was held under the guidance of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education and the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, and was co-hosted by Jiangnan University and the Administrative Committee of the Wuxi National High-tech Industrial Development Zone.

Zhejiang Sugar Energy Technology Co., Ltd. participated in the exhibition, showcasing its food-grade 5-HMF and related downstream application solutions. Centered on the theme "Sugar Energy Technology—Food-Grade 5-HMF: Human Nutrition and Health," the company’s booth highlighted products and applications spanning the entire bio-based furan industrial chain—from HMF to FDCA and PEF.

That evening, the inaugural FoodSeek Global Food Innovation Awards ceremony took place in the convention center’s grand ballroom, where Sugar Energy Technology was honored with a "FoodSeek Global Food Innovation Award."



I. 5-HMF Functional Health Drink
5-HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural) is a key platform molecule that can be derived from sugars, with fructose serving as the primary raw material. In the context of human nutrition and health, the exhibit presents four research dimensions, focusing on the underlying mechanisms of action.





On-site, beverage samples containing 5-HMF as a functional component were also on display, encompassing both bottled drinks and powdered drink mixes in sachets.





II. 5-HMF Anti-Mold Agent
Focusing on the storage of food and feed, the exhibition booth showcases four core capabilities and application scenarios of 5-HMF in the context of mold prevention.



III. Bio-based Furan Polyesters (PEF) for Food Packaging
PEF is an end-product material derived from the full sugar-based value chain. It is synthesized through the polymerization of FDCA—a monomer produced from HMF—and is positioned as a next-generation, bio-based alternative to petroleum-based PET.



High barrier properties translate to a longer shelf life, helping to reduce food waste and the need for preservatives, while also improving carbonated beverages' ability to retain their carbonation. Furthermore, superior mechanical strength and UV-blocking capabilities enable the design of "lighter-weight yet more rigid" thin-walled packaging, while providing enhanced protection for fresh food and light-sensitive components, such as vitamins.

IV. The Inaugural FoodSeek Global Food Innovation Awards
On the evening of October 16, the inaugural FoodSeek Global Food Innovation Awards ceremony was held in the grand ballroom of the Wuxi Sunac Cultural Tourism City Conference Center.

The FoodSeek Global Food Innovation Awards focus on product innovation, technological breakthroughs, and quality enhancement, serving as a professional platform for recognizing excellence and fostering industry connections within the future food sector.

Tangneng Technology (SugarEnergy) was honored with the "Best Innovative Technology Award" for its food-grade 5-HMF and related downstream application solutions.



From the exhibition booth to the awards podium, Tangneng Technology’s presence at this conference spanned everything from product showcasing to industry recognition. As a practitioner across the entire HMF→FDCA→PEF value chain, the company remains committed to advancing the practical application of bio-based furan materials within the food sector.

Regulatory Developments
In February 2026, PEF passed China’s national safety review for food-contact materials and was approved for use in food packaging.

Product Forms and Application Scenarios
Product forms: Beverage bottles, high-barrier films, fresh-produce containers, and food-preservation bags. Application scenarios: Liquid foods (such as milk), fresh produce, snacks, beer, and carbonated beverages.

About Tangneng Technology
Zhejiang Tangneng Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in bio-based furan materials. By following the HMF→FDCA→PEF pathway, the company has developed an industrial chain that spans from platform molecules to end-use materials. Its products are designed for applications in human nutrition and health, food preservation, and eco-friendly packaging. At this exhibition, the company highlights food-grade 5-HMF, showcasing the industrial transformation of sugars—evolving from a mere "source of sweetness" into a "source of raw materials."