Extended cherry shelf-life achieved with “next generation” resealable lidding film

30 Aug 2018 --- Fresh produce functional packaging specialists StePac has created a “responsible” and comprehensive supply chain solution for the delivery of fresh cherries from farm-to-fork. StePac partnered with Israel-based Tadbik to produce a “next generation” modified atmosphere resealable lidding film capable of extending shelf-life in cherries. The development comes in response to high demand for cherries in China and the drive to reduce their levels of waste.

Through 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, Technical Development Manager for StePac.

This packaging design incorporates multiple capabilities to effectively slow respiration and aging 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 film was approved for shelf-life extension of cherries.

Xgo resealable lidding film technology provides multiple benefits:

• It preserves freshness and flavor during long sea shipments, prolonging the combined storage and transportation life of cherries to more than 35 days.
• 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.
• It maintains its attractive packaging design throughout multiple uses.

Chilean pilot study
In a pilot study, a market leader in the Chilean cherry export market, Frusan, shipped several refrigerated containers filled with cherries in 2.5kg trays and sealed with Xgo resealable lidding film to retailers in China, arriving in time for the Chinese New Year. Cherries are considered the perfect red-colored gift in Chinese tradition.

The success of this pilot project propelled increased interest in the use of the film by Frusan for the upcoming Chilean cherry season. It also created a ripple effect, expanding the use of this high-value solution among cherry packers and shippers. This, in turn, garnered interest from the blueberry industry.

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 has been working with its distributors Fiamma (Peru) and Empack (Chile) to provide a comprehensive solution to its customers, offering valuable advice on post-harvest handling, conducting routine inspections in China and other destinations and ensuring a fully controlled quality supply chain. The three companies also work together with their customers to understand market needs and deliver innovative solutions that bring value and differentiation.

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

StePac specializes in functional packaging for fresh produce. Its brands include the globally recognized Xtend, Xgo, Xflow and Xbloom modified atmosphere and modified humidity packaging solutions.

Tadbik is an international advanced packaging solutions supplier specializing in flexible packaging, labels, RFID, packaging machinery and in-pack promotion with a 30-year history. Tadbik maintains facilities in the USA and Israel with highly skilled in-house design and engineering teams.

Edited by Joshua Poole