New from StePac - Xtend Pallet Shrouds

StePac has recently launched Xtend pallet shrouds, a novel packaging solution characterized by sufficiently high water vapor transmission rates to reduce fresh produce dehydration and weight loss during the supply chain on the one hand and reduce the risk of carton collapse on the other.

Dehydration and weight loss of fresh produce during the supply chain will not only reduce revenue on produce sold. At about 1% weight loss, associated stress results in an increase in respiration rate and ethylene production, which accelerates deterioration in quality. As the weight loss increases further, there is an increased susceptibility to chilling injury and then loss of membrane integrity. Further increase results in accelerated loss of vitamins A and C, loss of flavor and discoloration of damaged tissue, loss of color intensity and gloss, accentuated pitting and other chilling injuries, noticeable wilting and shriveling as well as loss of texture, crispness and softness.

The pallet shrouds are available for several produce items, most notably berries, in both non-modified atmosphere and modified atmosphere formats depending on the supply chain in question. The reduced O2 and elevated CO2 concentrations that develop within the modified atmosphere format will slow down respiration, inhibit the action of ethylene and inhibit decay causing microorganisms thereby further slowing down deterioration.

StePac have been pioneers in maintaining freshness of asparagus throughout the supply chain and facilitating extension of shelf life. In Peru, the company worked together with exporters on optimizing postharvest handling, essentially paving the way for them to use Xtend® packaging for the export of white asparagus to Europe by sea. Likewise, StePac works together with major importers and traders in the USA and Xtend® was the first modified atmosphere retail packaging to be adopted for green asparagus in the USA.

For more information please visit www.stepac.com