re~fresh Packaging for Vegetables

An important fact when dealing with vegetables (and all other produce) is that they are still "living" structures and continue to respire as long as there are nutrients and gases available. Respiration and transpiration continue after harvest and since the produce is detached from its source of water, photosynthates and minerals, it is entirely dependent on its own food reserves and moisture content.

Water loss is loss of saleable weight and thus a direct loss to the grower or processor. A loss in weight of only 5% will cause many vegetables to appear wilted or shrivelled and in warm, dry conditions without the correct packaging this can happen in just a few hours. Even in the absence of visible wilting, water loss can cause a loss of crispness and undesirable changes in colour and palatability in some vegetables.

The relative humidity (RH) within a pack is influenced by the rate at which the product loses water-vapour and by the water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) of the packaging film. Convex Plastics can achieve significant increases in shelf-life by reducing the loss of the vegetables' stored energy reserves through lowering the respiration rate. This can be achieved by designing a pack giving optimum O2 and CO2 concentrations, as well as manipulating the WVTR of the film.

Manufacturer Benefits Include:

  •     Reduction in waste through distribution
  •     Expanded radius of distribution
  •     Reduction of labour and waste at retail level
  •     Excellent branding/marketing options
  •     Increased product differentiation
  •     Quality advantages transferred to the customer  

Successful applications include:

Broccoli Florets, Cauliflower Florets, Carrots, Baby Carrots, Peeled Garlic