Eco-efficient cardboard packaging preserves fresh fruit and vegetable products longer
Active packaging can impede the biological process that spoils FF&V. Every additional day of shelf life benefits FF&V companies economically, boosting business opportunities for the market. “To date, large companies worldwide have invested millions of euro in developing and implementing active packaging solutions to extend their products’ shelf life,” comments Juan Jose Belmonte, coordinator of the EU-funded FRESHTRAY project. “However, either solutions currently in the market are suitable only for FF&V that can be pre-cut, or implementation costs are too high.” The FRESHTRAY team designed a new multi-active cardboard packaging solution called Newfresh that delays the spoilage process and increases shelf life by over 40 %. It does so by applying an advanced multi-active coating over the cardboard’s inner surface. FF&V packed using this technology will have a better appearance, with less sign of overripening and less unwanted colouration. As a result, companies sell a higher quality product that gives them a competitive advantage, and discard 50 % less FF&V along the supply chain. “Better quality and longer shelf life are two key attributes sought by FF&V retailers and exporters,” observes Belmonte.
Why cardboard packaging?
The focus was on cardboard packaging because over 70 % of FF&V companies use cardboard as packaging material in the EU. The logistics of agricultural goods are designed around and well adapted to cardboard packaging. “Therefore, a solution aimed at providing active packaging for the FF&V industry can’t ignore the importance of this material,” notes Belmonte. “Besides, cardboard meets the principles of the circular economy, since it’s fully recyclable: cellulose – the main raw material – comes from renewable sources that act as a carbon fixer.” Newfresh contains essential oils nano-encapsulated in beta-cyclodextrin, and in some cases empty halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). This provides a triple effect. The oils decrease the presence of microorganisms responsible for spoilage such as moulds and bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms like Listeria monocytogenes. They also prevent FF&V from browning or undergoing unwanted colour changes. HNTs can absorb the ethylene emitted by FF&V, delaying the ripening process.
Multi-active coating effectiveness good for business and environment
Newfresh hit the market in early 2020. Commercial agreements have been established with seven production and export companies in the Spanish FF&V sector. The packaging will be used for sweet peppers, citrus fruit, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, lettuce, grapes and stone fruit. The environmental benefits can’t be understated, either. The cardboard container is 100 % recyclable and biodegradable. Over 80 % of FF&V products are marketed in bulk containers, where the cardboard container makes up more than 50 % of the packaging. The plastic container (returnable box), its competitor, is heavier, consumes more energy during transport, and is less healthy because the cardboard container is sterile when manufactured. “Thanks to FRESHTRAY packaging technology, FF&V companies gain flexibility and bargaining power because they have the option of choosing the right time to sell products, based on market prices or exporting to distant markets where they can get higher prices,” concludes Belmonte. “Companies minimise their economic losses due to the rejection of batches that don’t meet clients’ quality standards.”
Keywords
FRESHTRAY, packaging, FF&V, cardboard packaging, fruit, vegetable, Newfresh, active packaging
