re~fresh Packaging for Fruit

One of the major benefits of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is the prevention or retardation of fruit senescence (ripening) and associated biochemical and physiological changes.

Fruit ripening includes a complex range of changes, most of which are biochemically independent of one another. These changes transform the mature but unripe fruit into an overripe and clearly senescent fruit. Temperature is the most effective environmental factor in the prevention of fruit ripening. Both ripening and C₂H₄ production rates increase with an increase in temperature.

To delay fruit ripening, fruits should be held as close to 0^ºC as possible, without suffering chilling injury. The use of MAP as a supplement to proper temperature maintenance in the effort to delay ripening is consequentially more effective for chilling sensitive fruits, but is generally beneficial for all fruits. Reducing O₂ concentration below 8% and/or elevating CO₂ concentration above 1% retards fruit ripening. The lower the O₂ level and the higher the CO₂ level, the more retardation of ripening, however there are limits beyond which physiological injury will outweigh the benefits from ripening prevention.

It has been established that 2% O₂ level anaerobic respiration may result in the development of off-flavours and off-odours. Fruits exposed to such low O₂ levels may also lose their ability to attain uniform ripeness upon removal from MAP. By evaluating each fruits´ requirements during its transportation, storage and sale Convex Plastics can design a re~fresh MAP package that will optimise the atmospheric composition inside the sealed package. This then translates into the extension of storage life, maintenance of quality, and reduction of post-harvest losses.

Successful applications include:

Royal Gala apples, Granny Smith apples, lemons (whole, peeled, and sliced), oranges (whole, peeled, and sliced)