Edible coatings and sustainable packaging to extend fruit shelf life

AgroSustain used its participation at Macfrut to present a proposal focused on improving the postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables through edible coatings and sustainable packaging solutions. The Swiss company showcased different applications aimed at extending product shelf life, reducing waste and moving towards models with lower plastic use across the supply chain.

Specialised in technologies for both preharvest and postharvest stages, the company develops solutions designed to preserve the quality of fresh produce during storage, transport and marketing. At the trade fair, it highlighted Afondo™, an edible coating designed to be applied after harvest to help maintain fruit condition without altering its natural ripening processes.

Applications in different fruit categories

During the event, AgroSustain presented examples of applications in different species, including cherries, pears, nectarines, melons, papayas, avocados, mangoes, bananas, passion fruit, limes and lemons. Comparative displays between treated fruit and control fruit were shown at the stand to demonstrate improvements in parameters such as firmness, weight loss, decay incidence and shelf life at retail level.

The diversity of crops presented reflects the growing interest in tools capable of adapting to different physiological and logistical needs, both in local markets and long-distance export programmes. Maintaining quality for longer also helps widen the commercial window of the product and reduce losses throughout the chain.

Preservation and packaging in an integrated solution

Among the proposals presented at Macfrut, AgroSustain showcased applications in which its edible coating is integrated with packaging systems developed by MULTIVAC. The aim is to combine improved product preservation with formats capable of reducing plastic use at the point of sale, while maintaining an attractive and functional presentation.

While the coating helps limit moisture loss and preserve fruit quality during distribution, the packaging solutions provide stability, protection and operational efficiency. The integration of both technologies makes it possible to move towards alternatives capable of replacing some of the functions traditionally provided by conventional plastic packaging.

In this field, MULTIVAC contributes technologies such as TopCLOSE™ and TopWRAP™, designed for closing and presenting trays using cardboard, paper or cellulose-based materials. These systems are intended for categories such as berries, tomatoes, apples, potatoes, mushrooms or strawberries, where product protection and shelf appeal are key factors.

Sustainable packaging solutions showcased by AgroSustain together with MULTIVAC at Macfrut, aimed at reducing plastic use and improving the preservation of fresh produce

Less waste and greater commercial value

The combination of postharvest preservation and sustainable packaging responds to an increasingly visible trend in the fruit and vegetable sector: integrating shelf life, sustainability and logistical efficiency into a single proposal. For growers, exporters and distributors, this translates into greater opportunities to reach the market in better condition and with an offer more aligned with new retail demands.

With its presence at Macfrut, AgroSustain reinforced its positioning in the field of postharvest innovation, at a time when reducing food waste and plastic use continues to gain strategic importance in the food industry.

Caption: From left to right, Dr. Sébastien Pellaud, Head of Active Ingredients Identification, and Matteo Pedrazzetti, R&D Associate Scientist at AgroSustain, at the company’s stand during Macfrut.

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