StePac leads responsible supply chain with innovative packaging

Published: 30-Aug-2018

High demand for cherries in China revs up need for functional packaging to extend shelf-life and reduce waste

StePac is working closely with its partners to implement a comprehensive supply chain solution for the delivery of fresh cherries from farm-to-fork.

The company has joined forces with Tadbik Ltd, Israel, to produce the next generation of modified atmosphere resealable lidding film.

The new technology is engineered to extend the shelf-life of fresh cherries in aesthetic and functional retail packaging as well as reduce waste.

The product will be showcased at the upcoming Asia Fruit Logistica trade show in Hong Kong, 5-7 September 2018, Hall 5, booth 5038.

In this collaboration Tadbik created a “FreshLid” laminated film structure that is sealed to trays containing fresh produce and whose upper layer can be repeatedly peeled back for reuse.

The companies then worked together to develop suitable condensation control properties and control film permeability to deliver optimal modified atmosphere compositions (MAP) for high value fresh produce items such as cherries. This innovative packaging will be marketed under the Xgo line, Stepac’s leading retail brand.

Efforts to overcome common challenges in lengthy supply chains and to move toward more responsible and cost-effective delivery processes, is generating increased demand for advanced functional packaging solutions. Meeting these challenges is especially critical when it comes to preserving and extending fresh produce shelf life and reducing waste.

“Successful implementation of MAP requires a holistic approach that includes an understanding of post-harvest pathology, produce physiology, cold-chain logistics, and the interaction of each of these factors with packaging design,” explains Gary Ward, PhD, Technical Development Manager for StePac.

This packaging design incorporates multiple capabilities to effectively slow respiration and ageing processes, and to control humidity inside the packaging and extend fresh produce shelf-life.

Following research and trials at StePac's post-harvest lab, the groundbreaking film was approved for shelf-life extension of cherries.

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