Modified Atmosphere Packaging

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There is packaging, and there is ZOEPAC packaging. ZOEPAC packaging technology is not just a carrier or a means of transporting goods. With packaging solutions tailored to optimise relative humidity and gaseous levels for a wide range of fruit and vegetable products, several benefits can be achieved, including:

Extended shelf-life, allowing for longer distribution and storage,
Reduced dehydration, preventing weight loss and discolouration,
Preservation of colour,
Prolonging senescence,
Maintained freshness and firmness,
Inhibition of storage mould and rots, and
Higher profitability due to reduced shrinkage and wastage in the supply chain.

Here is a short video showing the benefits on yellow banana:

DE LA TIERRA has partnered with POST-HARVEST SOLUTIONS, the firm behind the ZOEPAC brand of packaging solutions, to help with sales and its commercial strategy.

Sustainability

Carbon Footprint

The reduction of postharvest losses more than negates the carbon footprint associated with ZOEPAC packaging. Most farm and supply chain inputs rely heavily on non-renewable resources. These include the energy required for:

The production and manufacture of agricultural equipment,
The pumping of irrigation water,
Land preparation and cultivation,
The production and application of fertiliser and plant protection products,
Product cooling and cold chain maintenance, and
The transportation, shipping and storage of goods.

Water Footprint

Agriculture is estimated to use 70% of our global precious freshwater sources. There is a significant water footprint associated with food production. Based on work done by Mekonnen and Hoekstra (2010), the average water footprint of select vegetables is 322 litres per kilogram and 962 litres per kilogram for fruit. The full report can be downloaded here.

When our food supply chains are considered in terms of embedded carbon and water, it is clear that postharvest losses are not confined to a loss of retail value but a waste of valuable resources.
The investment in ZOEPAC packaging technology, combined with sound postharvest handling and management practices, will minimise the waste of resources.

Sustainable Packaging

The ZOEPAC product range now includes environmentally-friendly degradable and biodegradable packaging. Advances in technology and improvements in raw material prices have seen prices come closer to parity with polymer-based films.