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“ e packaging materials used for produce vary depending on the product, the distribu- tion demands and shelf life needs,” advises Forowycz. “Some packaging materials are very simple and are made from one type of material. Others are multi-layer structures that may help to extend freshness. Some products are best packaged in plastics. Others may be able to utilize pulp materials.”
KEEP IT FRESH AND SECURE
Packaging that visibly serves a purpose
for the customer can help encourage produce purchases.
“Consumer-friendly packaging, such as the handle bag, can help,” says Schur. “In many cases, it gives the opportunity to store the left- over produce at home in the bag it came in.”
Technical advances in packaging that improve the shelf life of produce can also help with merchandising.
“Modi ed atmosphere packaging has been progressing for years,” says Temkin’s Bradford. “Retailers, packers, marketers and shipping
companies have all worked to improve their processes to increase the shelf life of produce. Consumers have demanded that produce stay fresher for a longer period of time. at has pushed packaging companies to come up with solutions to increase shelf life.”
Some of the improvements actually make it easier to see the produce while maintaining freshness.
“Anti-fog materials, laser perf speci ca- tions and proper material use have improved,” says Bradford. “Materials like HydroSure have
n BRINGING SCIENCE TO PACKAGING ISSUES
Looking toward the future, the Mich- igan State University College of Agricul- ture and Natural Resources is leading the way with a variety of research proj- ects through its Center for Packaging Innovation and Sustainability.
One study at the Michigan State center established the current state of consumer perceptions of packaging, and offered suggestions for communication strategies for producers and retailers.
Another Michigan State study assem- bled an impressive array of statistical information on the use of bio-based plastic materials and concluded more information is needed.
“Understanding the impacts caused by the production of bioplastics is the first step on the path to a more sustain- able bioplastic, and in order to accu- rately evaluate these impacts the data gaps must be resolved,” says a team of researchers led by Martin Patel, chair for energy efficiency of the energy group at the University of Geneva in Switzerland.
One team of researchers devel- oped a software tool that lets users determine when returnable and reus- able packages are economically and sustainable alternatives to single-use options.
There is also a study of why many consumers do not recycle, even though they say they understand it is good for the environment.
A more complete list of completed research studies on packaging can be accessed on the Center’s website (www.canr.msu.edu/cpis/research/ funded_research_projects). pb
68 / OCTOBER 2018 / PRODUCE BUSINESS