The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Fresh Inset has introduced the MCPBag, an active packaging solution designed to extend the shelf life of pears and reduce waste throughout the supply chain.

This innovative packaging leverages the freshness-preserving compound 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene), which is released directly inside the bag, providing growers and retailers with a powerful tool to combat the rapid spoilage of fruit.

Recent trials conducted by IDC Patagonia in Argentina demonstrated that William’s pears (Pyrus communis L.) packaged in the MCPBag ripened significantly slower than those in conventional packaging.

The research revealed that pears stored in MCPBag showed a remarkable reduction in ethylene production – a natural gas that accelerates ripening – decreasing from 218 units in standard bags to approximately 80 units in the MCPBag.

This reduction in ethylene production is critical, as it directly correlates with the shelf life and marketability of the fruit.

Tim Malefyt, chief technology officer at Fresh Inset, said: “With Vidre+ technology implemented in MCPBag, we are not just slowing ripening – we’re redefining what a fruit package can do.

This innovation allows packers to manage freshness effectively throughout the supply chain without the need for sealed rooms or heavy infrastructure.”

The MCPBag employs a controlled-release mechanism that gradually emits 1-MCP over a 24-hour period, inhibiting the ethylene response and thereby slowing the ripening and softening processes of the pears.

This method not only enhances the longevity of the fruit but also maintains its quality, ensuring that it reaches consumers in optimal condition.

Moreover, Fresh Inset has developed a complementary solution with Vidre+, which involves a low-cost sticker or label that can be placed inside existing cartons, clamshells or bags.

This label releases 1-MCP over time, further extending shelf life without requiring specialised treatment rooms or significant capital expenditures.

The company estimates that this technology could reduce global fruit and vegetable waste by up to 9.46 million tonnes annually, addressing a critical issue in the industry.

The research conducted by IDC Patagonia involved comparing the ripening behaviour of pears packed in MCPBag against those in standard bags over short-term (4 days) and long-term (120 days) cold storage.

The findings were compelling: pears stored in MCPBag exhibited a shelf life extension of 4 to 8 days longer than those in conventional packaging, maintaining firmness and colour while untreated fruit quickly became soft and yellow.

Reduced Ethylene Production: Pears in MCPBag produced 60% less ethylene after 8 days, resulting in firmer fruit that retained its colour and quality longer.

Extended Shelf Life: The innovative packaging extended the shelf life of pears by four to eight days compared to standard bags, significantly improving marketability and reducing waste.

This breakthrough in active packaging technology not only benefits growers and retailers by enhancing the quality and longevity of their products but also aligns with broader sustainability goals within the food and beverage sector.

As the industry continues to seek innovative solutions to reduce waste and improve supply chain efficiency, the MCPBag powered by Vidre+ stands out as a promising advancement.

For more information on Fresh Inset’s MCPBag technology and its potential impact on the food and beverage industry, visit their website or contact the company directly.