Vidre+™, smart adhesives that keep fruit fresh for longer

The commercialization of fresh produce requires maintaining quality from the moment the fruit leaves the field until it reaches the shelf. Every additional day of shelf life means more sales opportunities, fewer losses and greater consumer satisfaction. To support this, Janssen PMP offers Vidre+™, an active adhesive applied inside the packaging that gradually releases 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), a plant growth regulator that blocks ethylene receptors and slows down the fruit’s natural ripening process.

How Vidre+™ works and is applied

Inside any packaging or cold storage environment, climacteric fruits release ethylene, the natural hormone that triggers softening, loss of firmness and stem browning. The 1-MCP released by Vidre+™ binds irreversibly to ethylene receptors, preventing the hormonal signal from being perceived and slowing the ripening process. Internal trials by Janssen PMP show an average 29% reduction in stem browning after 21 days of storage, a 9% indirect effect on Botrytis cinerea and 29% less berry shatter.

Applying Vidre+™ is simple and does not require special equipment. The adhesive is placed on the inner surface of the liner, optionally together with a metabisulfite pad, and the bag is sealed. From that point on, 1-MCP is gradually released, creating a protective microclimate that remains active during transport and storage without the need to modify infrastructure or handling systems.

Commercial and environmental benefits

By keeping stems green for longer and reducing physiological damage, fruit maintains firmness and becomes less susceptible to opportunistic pathogens such as Botrytis and Mucor. This results in fewer claims, lower rejection rates and a higher commercial value for growers, packers and retailers. Retailers also benefit from longer shelf presence and reduced food waste, strengthening consumer trust. Vidre+™ is already used successfully in apples, pears, avocados and berries, among other crops, extending marketable life without compromising quality.

From an environmental perspective, extending postharvest life without relying on plastic-based solutions or aggressive chemical treatments helps reduce the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills, where it produces methane. Janssen PMP promotes this sustainable approach in collaboration with partners like Fresh Inset, convinced that active packaging technologies are key to easing the pressure on the planet.

About Janssen PMP

Janssen PMP is a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, one of the pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson. For over 50 years, Janssen PMP has been a global leader in the development of highly effective active substances and solutions for the protection of materials and food, especially fruit and vegetables.

The company combines strong technical and commercial expertise with a clear focus on public health, food safety and sustainability. Its goal is to protect people's health and well-being through effective solutions that preserve the quality of food and the environment in which these products are used.