Produce is one of the first food groups people think of when food packaging is mentioned. Fruits and vegetables are difficult to keep fresh unless you have the correct materials and know about proper storage.
Produce Packaging Needs
Organic foods have been increasing in popularity over the last two decades. Experts believe that between 2013 and 2018, the market for organic foods will rise an additional 14 percent. However, foods grown free of preservatives and without genetic assistance have shorter shelf lives and can lose taste more easily during transportation. They have less fungal and bacterial resistance, which can cause mold to form before products even arrive at stores.
Packaging needs to address these concerns—some of which are airborne. Plastic containers may prevent new microorganisms from compromising food products, but unless they are tightly-sealed in a vacuumed package, microorganisms are locked in with the food when sealed.
Packaging and transportation also have to meet USDA standards. Currently, there are 166 standards for 86 different kinds of produce and related food commodities. These standards check for decay, defects, dirt and contamination, firmness of the product, size, color and other qualifications based on produce type.
Sustainable Packaging
High Performance Packaging excels at meeting food transportation needs. We use a cold pasteurization technique that utilizes extremely high hydrostatic pressure. The pressure is applied over a short period of time. The procedure is environmentally friendly, does not change the nature of the food or add additional chemicals, and prolongs the lifespan of produce and the essential vitamins within the food.
The high pressure kills bacteria with an effectiveness usually reserved for high temperatures and chemicals. However, chemicals compromise the organic label and are unsafe for consumers, and high temperatures can break down food quality.
The HPP process also extends extra convenience to consumers. Ready-to-eat meals can be stored with greater freshness, and produce will last longer in the fridge, lowering the money spent each month on rotten or spoiled food.
The High Performance Packaging Advantage
The goal of High Performance Packaging is to work with food producers to meet the rising demand for nutritious and organic foods that lack additives and stay fresh for taste. For more information on how we can help with your food packaging needs, please contact us today.
