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RPN
RPN
RPN
helping retailers achieve their sustainability and environmental goals and enabling them to prolong the shelf life of fresh produce extends these benefits even further.
Tests based on ten criteria
The Dr. Lippert scientists set up simulated supply chain conditions – including chilled and ambient temperatures to replicate typical transport, shop and domestic conditions. They ran the trials for up to 19 days, depending on the product type, and tested against a comprehensive list of criteria depending on commodity: weight loss, stem health, sugar and acidity, temperature/humidity, firmness, infection, rot/mold, color, spoilage, appearance.
Across the four types of produce, the results of Dr. Lippert QM’s tests were conclusive.
• Musk melons (cantaloupes): the shelf life of melons packed in IFCO RPCs was four days longer than those packed in single-use packaging. Mold started to appear after four days in single-use packaging and not until nine days later for the IFCO-packed melons. On day 13, 100% of the IFCO-packed melons were still saleable compared to 70% of those packed in single-use boxes.
• Tomatoes: the vine condition of tomatoes packed in RPCs was significantly better after 7 days than those in single-use packaging, where vines had already started to deteriorate. The tomatoes were still saleable after 12 days in single-use packs compared to 15 days in IFCO RPCs, giving retailers two extra full days of shelf-life.
• Mushrooms: 100% of the RPC-packed mushrooms were still saleable after 4 days compared to just 60% of those in single-use packaging, providing two extra days of shelf life. Bacterial spots – which consumers find off-putting – had already started to appear after two days on those in single-use packs, while the RPC-packed mushrooms showed no spots at all on day 12 of the test.
• Grapes: by day 6 of the test using cooler, store-like conditions, 91% of the RPC-packed grapes were still saleable compared to just 55% of those packed in single-use boxes, providing an extra shelf life of one day. When shipped, packed and displayed at room temperature, the results were even more conclusive, with just 10% of the fruit in single-use packaging still saleable after 9 days compared to 80% for those packed in IFCO RPCs.
“The main difference to single use packaging is that ventilation in IFCO RPCs provides superior air circulation,” said Philipp Loer, the crop scientist at Dr. Lippert QM who conducted the trials. “A positive effect was visible on the quality of the products, resulting in shelf life up to four days longer.”
“The study conducted with Dr. Lippert QM is part of our ongoing research and development program, which aims to test and perfect our RPCs to deliver the best possible value to growers, retailers and consumers,” added Wolfgang Orgeldinger, CEO of IFCO SYSTEMS. “A longer shelf life of up to four days represents significant bottom line benefits for retailers, while boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.”
Source: Comparison of the ventilation of different IFCO RPCs and its effect on freshness and saleability of different fruits and vegetables, Dr. Lippert QM (formerly HortKinetix), in cooperation with IFCO SYSTEMS GmbH.