An edible, plant-based coating for produce reduces dehydration and locks in freshness. Photo courtesy of AgroFresh Solutions
AgroFresh Solutions Inc. has debuted an edible plant-based coating for produce freshness under its VitaFresh Botanicals brand. VitaFresh Botanicals offers solutions for a wide variety of crops from citrus to avocados to mangos. For coatings, the products utilize “anti-thirst” technology to boost the skin’s natural protection, creating a double-skin membrane that reduces dehydration, maintains weight and locks in produce freshness throughout the supply chain. The turnkey solutions are easy to apply as part of regular packing operations. AgroFresh provides all necessary application equipment and expertise.
VitaFresh Botanicals coatings are sustainable and created using certified ISO 14001 environmental management system standards. Many products are packaged in reusable containers. Excellent crop coverage at low application rates offers better cost efficiencies to operators and gives retailers a better opportunity to market quality produce using consumer-friendly claims while reducing food waste, increasing profit potential and adding the capability to reduce the amount of plastic packaging needed for the produce.
New edible, plant-based coating extends shelf life of produce
Amcor announced the ‘Reducing CO2 Packaging’ label from the Carbon Trust can now be printed on Amcor packaging to demonstrate significant carbon footprint reductions. It’s part of the company’s lifecycle assessment service, which enables brands to measure their packaging’s carbon footprint from raw materials through end-of-use. Carbon labeling is a way for brands to demonstrate their commitment to a lower carbon economy. Amcor is expanding the service to include the option for brands to carry the Carbon Trust’s carbon label on their packaging to independently communicate carbon reduction efforts to consumers. Qualification for the use of the label is based on the ability to demonstrate a carbon footprint reduction of 20% or more.
Labeling for carbon footprint reduction
Amcor is using a Reducing CO2 Packaging label from the Carbon Trust, which shows a brand's level of carbon reduction. Photo courtesy of Amcor
Nature Valley's granola bar wrappers are designated as Store Drop-Off Recyclable by How2Recycle®. Photo courtesy of Nature Valley
Snack bar company Nature Valleyᵀᴹ has launched the first plastic film wrapper designated as Store Drop-Off recyclable by How2Recycle® with its Crunchy granola bar. The wrapper is not patented, which allows other food brands to apply the technology to their product portfolios. Nature Valley plans to educate consumers about the Store Drop-Off recycling system, re-engage their interest in reducing landfilled material and stimulate recycling. The wrapper, developed in collaboration with Nature Valley R&D scientists and packaging partners, uses advanced film processing with unique polyethylene polymers. Once recycled, the materials can be used to create new products like synthetic lumber and decking equipment. The new packaging also offers the barrier needed to preserve the product’s freshness and does not compromise the product’s shelf life.
Nature Valley switches to recyclable wrappers for its Crunchy granola bars
