Packaging innovation gains prominence in fruit postharvest

With exports increasingly exposed to long and demanding journeys, preserving fruit quality has become a strategic challenge for the sector. In this context, Paclife presents itself as an invitation to postharvest excellence, offering easy-to-implement tools with high savings potential that combine technological innovation and specialised technical support.

Based on this approach, Paclife has developed an integrated model that combines new-generation packaging, detailed analysis of the logistics chain and customised solutions.

Cristian Parra, commercial director at Paclife, states:

“Data beats storytelling”.

Technical support from orchard to final destination

Field support is one of the pillars of Paclife’s strategy. The company carries out a complete diagnosis from the orchard to the final customer, identifying sensitive points related to temperature, humidity and product handling.

Cristian Parra, explains:

“People often believe the cold chain is being respected, but when we measure it, we find different realities”.

One specific case involved an international customer. After detecting that relative humidity at reception was very low, a simple adjustment was implemented that helped prevent the loss of half a kilo of fruit per pallet every three hours.

Cristian Parra, stresses:

“Small changes generate huge savings”.

Packaging for long journeys and sensitive fruit

In crops such as blueberries, the technology developed by Paclife has made it possible to preserve fruit for up to 150 days, with minimal weight loss —below 0.7%— and excellent firmness and bloom.

In early cherries, whose Chilean production is mainly shipped to China, the packaging allows 45 to 60 days of postharvest life. These solutions help achieve greener stems and up to 35% less browning in complex varieties.

Cristian Parra, highlights:

“In crops such as blueberries, the technology developed by Paclife has made it possible to preserve fruit for up to 150 days, with minimal weight loss —below 0.7%— and excellent firmness and bloom. In the case of early cherries, whose Chilean production is mainly shipped to China, the packaging allows 45 to 60 days of postharvest life. We achieve greener stems and up to 35% less browning in complex varieties”.

Sustainable packaging innovation

Packaging innovation is part of the company’s identity. Paclife uses recyclable materials made from polyethylene and polypropylene certified for food contact, while also validating compostable and biodegradable prototypes in response to the growing demand for more sustainable solutions.

This is complemented by the development of Flow Pack and modified atmosphere and humidity control technologies, which optimise postharvest life in sensitive fruits such as cherries, blueberries, kiwifruit and grapes.

Through its R&D area, the company focuses on designing increasingly efficient packaging with greater capacity to preserve the natural freshness of the product.

Presence at international trade fairs

Paclife will present this proposal at major international events. From 3 to 5 September, the company will be present at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong, a trade fair that this year will bring together more than 13,000 professional visitors and over 700 exhibitors from more than 40 countries, consolidating its role as the most important meeting point for the fresh fruit trade in Asia.

It will then participate in Fruit Attraction in Madrid, from 30 September to 2 October. The event will bring together more than 2,000 exhibiting companies and 90,000 professionals from 135 countries, becoming a key showcase to demonstrate how packaging can help reduce waste, ensure quality during long-distance journeys and respond to the growing demand for sustainable solutions.

A strategic partner for growers and exporters

More than a packaging manufacturer, Paclife is positioning itself as a strategic partner for growers and exporters.

Cristian Parra, concludes:

“Our goal is not only to innovate, but to offer real solutions that reduce food loss and ensure better returns for our customers. We are an invitation to join postharvest excellence”.

With an approach that combines innovation, sustainability and close technical support, Paclife reinforces its commitment to helping exporters turn postharvest into an opportunity for excellence and profitability. The company will continue developing solutions that not only protect fruit, but also add value across the entire chain, bringing Chile’s freshness to the most demanding markets in the world.

Source: Paclife