StePacPPC, a global leader in packaging innovation, has introduced a sustainable solution that redefines how broccoli and other vegetables are transported. Their Modified Atmosphere/Modified Humidity (MA/MH) packaging, branded as Xtend, is designed to phase out environmentally harmful ice-filled polystyrene foam and waxed carton boxes commonly used for long-haul shipments. This breakthrough is already making waves in the US and Japan.
A Game-Changer for Broccoli Producers
Japan’s Otofuke Agricultural Cooperative (JA Otofuke), a leading broccoli producer, has adopted StePacPPC’s Xtend bulk bags for transporting broccoli overland from Hokkaido to Yokohama. Traditional polystyrene foam boxes, while effective at maintaining low temperatures, pose severe environmental challenges. They are non-recyclable, prone to fragmentation, and difficult to dispose of sustainably.
The shift towards Xtend packaging reflects growing global concerns about non-recyclable materials. Several countries have banned polystyrene foam outright, and Japan is intensifying efforts to regulate its use. Similarly, in the US, waxed carton boxes—common in iced broccoli shipments—are being phased out due to their inability to be recycled and their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions when landfilled.
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Enhancing Food Safety and Quality
Traditional iced packaging for broccoli is not only unsustainable but also poses food safety risks. As the ice melts, it fosters microbial growth and causes essential nutrients like vitamin C to leach out. StePacPPC’s Xtend packaging addresses these issues by employing advanced MA/MH technology. Its properties include:
- Slowing respiration and ethylene production to delay yellowing.
- Removing excess moisture to inhibit microbial growth.
- Extending shelf life while maintaining nutritional value and appearance.
- Reducing the risk of contamination by pathogens like E. coli.
“Xtend packaging has consistently outperformed other options in terms of quality and freshness,” said Akio Yamagishi, manager of JA Otofuke’s fruit and vegetable sales department.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Adopting Xtend packaging delivers significant cost savings and environmental advantages. By eliminating the need for ice, the packaging optimizes transport capacity, allowing producers to ship 66% more broccoli per container. This reduction in weight and volume translates to lower carbon emissions and a 30% decrease in overall shipping costs.
“Without ice, each box can hold up to 10kg of broccoli compared to just 6kg with ice,” Yamagishi explained. “This efficiency significantly reduces resource use and labor costs.”
A Global Shift Towards Sustainability
The eco-friendly benefits of Xtend packaging extend beyond broccoli. StePacPPC’s solution is being used in the US to ship other fresh produce, including bok choy and green onions. Research conducted in collaboration with Wageningen University has demonstrated that Xtend reduces the carbon footprint of broccoli shipments by approximately 40%, making it a truly climate-positive innovation.
“Our lean and green packaging not only preserves produce quality but also minimizes waste,” said Gary Ward, StePacPPC’s Chief Technical Officer. “By extending shelf life and enhancing food safety, Xtend is setting a new standard for sustainable logistics.”
The Future of Fresh Produce Shipping
StePacPPC’s Xtend MA/MH packaging is paving the way for a greener, more efficient future in fresh produce logistics. As regulations tighten and consumer demand for sustainability grows, innovative solutions like Xtend offer a viable path forward for producers, retailers, and the environment.
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