The Xgo Paz Pouch overcomes combines modified atmosphere, humidity control, and condensation management in a single retail-ready solution
StePac PPC is introducing a new generation of retail pouches that it has said are engineered for high-performance shelf-life preservation and convenience.
The Xgo Paz Pouch applies advanced flexible-film technology to optimise moisture and atmosphere control for maintaining the freshness of moisture-sensitive produce.
According to Stepac, packers and retailers of cucumbers – which are particularly susceptible to excess moisture – are already benefitting from the patent-pending retail packaging.
”Whether for home use or enjoyment as a snack on the go, the Paz pouches help preserve the quality of the cool vegetable for up to 16 days, maintaining their crisp texture, flavour and vibrant colour from harvest, through retail display to home refrigeration,” the company outlined.
The Xgo Modified Atmosphere (MAP) films work by incorporating three functions in one pouch: modified atmosphere, modified humidity, and condensation control.
“With traditional laminated pouches, achieving modified atmosphere for shelf-life extension comes at the expense of optimal moisture control,” explained Gary Ward, CTO at StePac.
“Conversely, if you want optimal moisture control, you need to macro-perforate, which is at the expense of modified atmosphere and increases the risk of dehydration. This is the balance fresh produce packagers struggle to reach.
”Xgo Paz pouch’s three-in-one design successfully overcomes this limitation and offers a comprehensive solution that effectively maintains appearance and quality of the produce, extends the marketability window, and ultimately reduces food waste and costs,” Ward noted.
The patent-pending pouch is already establishing its presence in North America, Stepac confirmed, with Wholesum Family Farms recently debuting its Lil’ Ones Organic Baby Cucumbers snack packs using 8oz portable Xgo pouches.
The pouches are also being adopted by packagers of exotic fruits, including lychee, pitaya, rambutan, and longan, it said.
“We offer Xgo Paz pouches with variable WVTR films that can provide precisely the required level of moisture control and modified atmosphere properties for specific produce items,” said Ward.
“This makes the packaging adaptable for a range of fresh fruits and vegetables.
“We tweak the film in accordance with the unique preservation requirements of the produce being packed and the prevailing supply chain conditions,” he added.
