Modified atmosphere packaging helps extend bananas’ shelf life and reduce food waste

Bananas are one of the most sensitive fruits during distribution and marketing. After harvest, they continue producing ethylene, a gas that speeds up ripening and can lead to quality loss if the atmosphere during transport and storage is not properly controlled. In this context, StePacPPC develops modified atmosphere solutions specifically designed for bananas, aimed at slowing down the fruit’s respiration, controlling humidity, and delaying the ripening process.

Among these solutions are the preformed Xgo™ bags, developed to preserve banana quality throughout distribution. The use of this type of packaging helps keep the fruit in better condition across the supply chain, from shipment to final delivery to consumers.

Ethylene, humidity, and respiration control

Modified atmosphere solutions for bananas are designed to create specific conditions inside the packaging. The film’s permeability regulates gas exchange by reducing oxygen levels and slightly increasing CO₂ concentration, while humidity and condensation control help maintain a more stable environment around the fruit.

This balance slows down the banana’s respiration rate and delays ethylene-driven ripening, one of the key factors affecting the postharvest evolution of the fruit. At the same time, it helps reduce dehydration during transport and commercialization, which is essential for preserving appearance and market quality.

The technology also helps limit microbial growth inside the packaging. As a result, the packaging goes beyond simple physical protection and becomes a postharvest management tool that helps control the conditions surrounding the product.

Lower logistical pressure and reduced losses

Stabilizing the conditions around the product allows bananas to be harvested at their optimal stage and maintain quality for a longer period throughout the supply chain. This reduces logistical pressure to accelerate commercialization and lowers the need to remove or discount products due to over-ripening.

In addition to improving shelf life and commercial quality, reducing losses also helps decrease food waste and the carbon footprint associated with each kilogram marketed.

Solutions adapted to different horticultural products

StePacPPC offers Xtend® modified atmosphere solutions for more than 60 types of fruits, vegetables, and fresh herbs, in formats such as liners for boxes, bins, and pallets.

The technology is based on patented films with different water vapor transmission rates, adapted to the physiological needs of each product, with the aim of extending freshness and preserving organoleptic properties such as texture, flavor, and aroma.

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