StePacPPC's Modified Atmosphere/Modified Humidity (MA/MH) packaging is facilitating a shift away from ice-filled polystyrene and waxed carton boxes traditionally used for transporting fresh broccoli and other vegetables over long distances in both the U.S. and Japan. The Otofuke Agricultural Cooperative in Japan (JA Otofuke), one broccoli producer, is already benefiting from StePacPPC's Xtend MA/MH bulk bags for shipping broccoli on its land journey from Hokkaido to Yokohama.
Polystyrene foam boxes filled with ice have been widely used for domestic vegetable transport in Japan due to their excellent insulation properties and ability to maintain low temperatures. However, polystyrene is not environmentally friendly. Its non-recyclable nature, tendency to fragment, and persistence in the environment have led to significant disposal challenges, prompting calls for it to be phased out.
Many countries have already banned polystyrene entirely, and Japan is placing increasing regulatory emphasis on reducing the use of such materials. Similarly, in the U.S., waterproofed waxed carton boxes used for iced broccoli shipments are increasingly unwelcome due to their inability to be recycled and the potential to produce methane in landfills.
From a food safety perspective, ice-filled boxes create conditions conducive to microbial decay as the ice melts. Studies show that broccoli packed in MA/MH packaging has fewer microbial colony-forming units compared to broccoli packed with ice. Additionally, melted ice can leach vitamin C from broccoli and create physical hazards due to spills and slippery surfaces. "In our efforts to move away from polystyrene foam with ice and its inherent contamination risks, we considered various alternatives for maintaining freshness without using ice," explains Akio Yamagishi, Manager of the Fruit and Vegetable Sales Department at JA Otofuke.
"We tested various modified atmosphere packaging films, including the Xtend films from StePacPPC. After inspecting the condition of the broccoli upon arrival, Xtend outperformed the rest in both appearance and quality."
The Xtend packaging films slow respiration inside the packaging, inhibit ethylene (which promotes yellowing of broccoli), remove excess moisture, delay aging processes, and suppress microbial growth. Its innovative properties may also reduce risks of foodborne illness from pathogens like E. coli.
Cost and environmental benefits
"We discovered multiple benefits to iceless Xtend packaging," continues Yamagishi. "It eliminates the space ice occupies, allowing us to transport 66% more broccoli per container. This reduces carbon emissions and slashes transport costs, particularly given recent shipping cost increases.
"With ice, each box holds only 6kg of broccoli; without it, we can pack around 10kg. Additionally, one Xtend bag can hold 10kg of broccoli, making it more resource-efficient and eliminating the need for extra handling. The ability to transport ice-free fresh broccoli across the continent on weight-constrained trucks has led to a net cost reduction of more than 30%."
For more information:
Mrs. Hila Nagel
StePacPPC
Tel: +972.4.612.3500
Email: [email protected]
www.stepacppc.com