The means to extend the storage life and distribution time for melons by keeping them fresh ‘up to four times longer than conventional packaging methods’, has been introduced by Amcor Flexibles Europe & Americas (AFEA).
The Amcor LifeSpan range offers a new, high MVTR (moisture vapor transition rate) liner, as part of a MAP (modified atmosphere package) format.
This delays the ripening and softening of the fruit, while allowing ‘excellent’ product visibility and a concentrated fruit aroma when opening the pack, says Amcor.
“Amcor LifeSpan has been technically validated during two full melon seasons in Brazil and Central America. It is currently meeting success in Brazil and will soon be used in Costa Rica and Honduras,” says Stephane Heinry, Business Development Manager, AFEA Produce Overseas.
Amcor LifeSpan is said to revolutionise the entire supply chain, allowing the shipment of Galia and Cantaloupe by boat from Brazil and Central America to the European and US markets.
“The Amcor LifeSpan compostable option could be used as an alternative to pack more mature fruit at source,” adds Mr Heinry. “The pack is produced using a bio-plastic film: Amcor’s NaturePlus Materbi. The beauty is that you can tailor the gas permeability for each application through the use of our Amcor P-Plus perforation technology,” he says.
The high MVTR properties of Amcor Materbi or Amcor VapourPlus prevent condensation, known to encourage mould and bacterial growth during sea freight.
