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StePac has tailored its branded range of Xtend Modified Atmosphere / Modified Humidity (MA / MH) packaging solutions to make them compatible with automated bulk and retail packing lines.

Aimed at addressing the increasing demand for functional packaging of fresh produce suited for automation, the latest move facilitates the use of substantially leaner packaging films.

The films are capable of extending fresh produce shelf life as well as reducing food waste and use of plastics.

The initiative is part of StePac’s efforts to manufacture purposeful plastic packaging solutions that contribute to reducing food waste while having less impact on the environment.

StePac technical development manager Gary Ward said: “When analysing the carbon footprint of produce shipped in StePac’s packaging, especially when shipped by sea versus conventional air freight, we see that the packaging has a climate-positive effect – the carbon emission savings resulting from its use exceeds the carbon emissions of the packaging.“The transition to automated flow pack packaging significantly reduces the amount of plastic consumed, making the product even more climate positive.”

“The transition to automated flow pack packaging significantly reduces the amount of plastic consumed, making the product even more climate positive.”

In order to support the shift to automated MA/MH packaging, StePac developed multiple film structures such as the Xflow bulk flow pack film that reduces the amount of plastic packaging used by up to 40%. It also extends the shelf life of fresh produce.

StePac’s new Xgo line of retail packaging encourages the packaging at the source of fresh produce in high-clarity MA/MH films. This line of products for automated packaging includes lidding films and various types of flow pack films.

Ward further added: “We have dedicated much of our R&D efforts towards adapting and improving our products and systems to meet these needs and create more responsible packaging solutions.”