01/09/2018 | Israel
StePac leads responsible supply chain with innovative packaging
StePac L.A. Ltd. 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, September 5-7, 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.
“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, Ph.D., 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.
Xgo resealable lidding film technology provides multiple benefits:
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It preserves freshness and flavor during long sea shipments, prolonging the combined storage and transportation life of cherries to more than 35 days.
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Consumers can enjoy the full taste of the cherries across multiple servings during extended home refrigerator life since the MAP mechanism is regenerated each time the film is resealed, thus continuing quality preservation.
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It maintains its attractive packaging design throughout multiple uses.
StePac has expressed aspirations to expand its activity in the Asian market. “Chinese importers are willing to pay premium prices for high-quality cherries and blueberries,” explains Ward. “This drives the growing export of these fruits from Peru and Chile to China, and with it the need for attractive, functional packaging to preserve quality during the lengthy sea freight.”
StePac specializes in functional packaging for fresh produce. Its brands include the globally recognized Xtend®, Xgo™, Xflow™ and Xbloom™ modified atmosphere / modified humidity packaging solutions. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson Matthey PLC.
Visit the company at Asia Fruit Logistica, Hong Kong, September 5-7, Hall 5, booth #5038
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