Tattooed cucumbers in the fight against plastic
An ‘organic’ label is ‘tattooed’ onto fruits and vegetables by removing pigment from the skin of produce using laser technology. The method dubbed ‘natural branding’ doesn’t affect eating quality or shelf life, according to Eosta.
Initially only used on thick-skinned produce like sweet potatoes and avocados, the firm has now managed to laser brand edible skin too.
German supermarket REWE is the first to sell ‘tattooed’ cucumbers. The plan is to start labeling other edible skin produce too, starting with apples and pears.
Since the beginning of this year, demand for Eosta’s ‘laser-branded’ produce in Europe has grown. At least ten supermarket chains – from Austria, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgium – have been getting their fruits and vegetables branded.
Eosta currently has one laser-branding machine, and is about to invest in a second one. Two other machines from the Spanish manufacturer operate from Spain and the UK.
Read more at Euronews (Ingrid Cobben)
