In a joint effort, Global Agricultural Technical Experts (GATE), Lobo Products, and Velcro Companies have collaboratively developed a new product, the Velcro® Brand Picking Bag Liners. This innovation, which is still pending patent approval, is designed to address food safety concerns during the initial stage of harvesting operations. The product aims to offer a straightforward and economical approach to enhance safety measures at this crucial juncture.
The Velcro hook and loop fastening technology facilitates the swift attachment and securing of Velcro Picking Bag Liners to Lobo Products HarvestSafe™ Fruit Picking Bags by harvesting crews in the field. These liners are accessible at several California Agricultural Distribution Centers, such as Fruit Growers Supply Company, Sierra Packaging Solutions, and Grangetto's. The Velcro Brand Picking Bag Liners are available in two sizes.
- Regular – (50- and 60-pound bags) 22.5 x 35 inches (570 x 890mm)
- Large – (80-pound bags) 22.5 x 37 inches (570 x 940mm) sizes
"With HLB (Huanglongbing) becoming a concern for Central Valley growers, Velcro Picking Bag Liners create a solution to isolate issues in the field and eliminate cross-contamination," said Mark Buhl, President and CEO, GATE. "The days of subcontracting with third-party labor crews that transit the entire state without proper cleaning protocols for their bags is coming to an end."
"The integration of Velcro Picking Bag Liners with Lobo Picking Bags offers a straightforward and economical approach to safeguard the investments made in harvesting operations," stated Andrew Ellis, Chief Commercial Officer – Americas at Velcro Companies. "These liners also contribute to an environmentally conscious method of maintaining hygiene during picking operations, minimizing mechanical damage, and preventing cross-contamination."
Made from 100% recyclable LDPE, the liners feature the 100% recyclable Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Velco Press-Lok® 952 Hook fastener. Utilizing an innovative new technique to weld the two materials, Velcro Companies has homogenized the recyclability of the Velcro Picking Bag Liner to create a 100% recyclable finished product. Velcro Picking Bag Liners are attached to Velcro Loop 3610 that is sewn to the Lobo Products HarvestSafe Fruit Picking Bag.
"The materials used in VELCRO® Brand Picking Bag Liners are designed to complement our HarvestSafe Fruit Picking Bags, contributing to the enhanced durability of our offerings," remarked David Romero from Lobo Products Inc. "Growers value solutions that positively affect their financial outcomes and expand their market possibilities."
Velcro Brand Picking Bag Liners feature a thickness of 4 mil (100 microns) and are designed to withstand cuts and tears that can occur during the picking process. The use of LDPE film in these liners helps to decrease in-bag friction, thereby minimizing damage to the fruit. Additionally, by limiting the potential for contamination, these liners can also contribute to extending the lifespan of the picking bags.
For more information:
Velcro
www.velcro.com