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StePacPPC has introduced a new patent-pending resealable pouch designed to improve moisture and atmosphere control for fresh produce, with a particular focus on moisture-sensitive cucumbers.
The Xgo PAZ pouch combines modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), modified humidity and condensation control in a single flexible-film format. The company says the technology is designed to help maintain produce quality from harvest through retail and into the consumer’s refrigerator.
Cucumbers can present particular challenges for MAP, as conventional laminated stand-up pouches have a low water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), which can trap excess moisture and create conditions for microbial decay.
To address this, packaging is often macro-perforated. However, StePacPPC says this can compromise the modified atmosphere, increase dehydration and shorten shelf life, while condensation can remain an issue.
The Xgo PAZ pouch is designed to balance these requirements by controlling both moisture and atmosphere without relying on macro-perforation. According to StePacPPC, the packaging can preserve cucumber quality, including texture, flavour and colour, for up to 16 days.
Gary Ward, CTO at StePacPPC, said: “Xgo PAZ pouch’s three-in-one design successfully overcomes this limitation and offers a comprehensive solution that effectively maintains appearance and quality of the produce, extends the marketability window, and ultimately reduces food waste and costs."
The technology has already been adopted in North America, including by Wholesum Family Farms, which has introduced its Lil’ Ones Organic Baby Cucumbers in 8oz Xgo pouches.
The compact resealable format is designed for portable fresh vegetable snacking. During 16-day shelf-life testing under simulated supply chain conditions, the PAZ pouch delivered a 29 percentage-point advantage in overall quality for organic baby cucumbers compared with a top-seal alternative.
It also recorded a 10 percentage-point advantage for organic mini cucumbers compared with traditional macro-perforated packaging.
The improved results were attributed to reduced moisture, decay and mould, alongside improved product visibility, appearance and overall quality.
Joanna Jaramillo, marketing manager at Wholesum, said: “At Wholesum, we're always looking for ways to remove barriers between consumers and fresh, healthy produce. Through our partnership with StePacPPC, we've been able to bring a solution that helps cucumbers maintain the clean, fresh appearance shoppers expect, creating a better experience and bringing more joy to healthy snacking.”
Beyond cucumbers, StePacPPC says the Xgo pouches are being adopted for exotic fruits including lychee, pitaya, rambutan and longan. Florida-based Freshway Produce is using the PAZ pouch for its exotic fruit range, with the packaging allowing produce to be packed at source in its final retail format.
The company says the pouches can help reduce condensation during temperature fluctuations and eliminate the need for repacking after produce arrives in the US.
The Xgo stand-up pouches are available in multiple sizes with resealable closures. StePacPPC says the film’s WVTR can be adjusted according to the specific moisture-control and modified-atmosphere requirements of different fruits and vegetables and their supply chains.
StePacPPC will showcase the Xgo PAZ pouch at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) event in Orlando, US, on 15–16 October at booth #2933.
