Growing demand for functional packaging of fresh produce that is suited for automation has prompted StePac L.A. Ltd. (stepac.com) to tailor its branded range of Xtend Modified Atmosphere/Modified Humidity (MA/MH) packaging solutions to be compatible with both automated bulk and retail packing lines.

This move facilitates the use of substantially leaner packaging films, with multiple benefits of extending fresh produce shelf life, minimizing food waste and reducing the use of plastics, making for more environmentally friendly packaging. 

“When analyzing the carbon footprint of produce shipped in StePac’s packaging — especially when shipped by sea versus conventional air freight — we see that the packaging has a ‘climate-positive’ effect; that is, the carbon emission savings resulting from its use exceeds the carbon emissions of the packaging,” says Gary Ward, Ph.D., technical development manager, StePac. “The transition to automated flowpack packaging significantly reduces the amount of plastic consumed, making the product even more ‘climate positive’.”

StePac developed multiple film structures to support the shift to automated MA/MH packaging. For example, the Xflow™ bulk flowpack film reduces the amount of plastic packaging used by up to 40%, while retaining its unique functions for substantially extending the shelf life of fresh produce in comparison to alternative options or if no packaging is used at all.

The unique Xflow films for automated packaging are gaining momentum for packing different types of vegetables for food service in the U.S., where the use of StePac's innovative functional films has been instrumental in boosting both operational throughput and meeting shelf-life requirements.

The move to automated packing systems is good news for growers/packers who will enjoy the added benefits of lowered labor costs. The new Xgo line of retail packaging encourages the packaging at source of fresh produce in high clarity MA/MH films ready for the shelves. The packaging of fresh goods such as passion fruit (which is particularly sensitive to excess moisture) in such high-performance packaging eliminates the need to sort, grade and repack upon arrival and allows for their shipment by sea in retail packaging formats. In this case, the importers also benefit from less handling costs. The Xgo line of products for automated packaging includes lidding films (also available in resealable format) and various types of flowpack films.