Extending the shelf-life of UK cherries while reducing virgin plastic
Sustainability
June 29, 2022Reading time: 2 minutes
Amcor partnered with a leading UK supplier of fresh fruit to develop a more sustainable solution for the lidding film used in packaging their fresh cherries. The new lidding includes Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) content and reduces plastic use overall.
Amcor partnered with a leading UK supplier of fresh fruit to develop a more sustainable solution for the lidding film used in packaging their fresh cherries. The new lidding includes Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) content and reduces plastic use overall.
Preserving freshness with more sustainable packaging
KEEPING A LID ON FRESH CHERRIES
Supplying fresh fruit to retailers comes with specific challenges, the primary one being the ability to maintain product freshness from source to end consumer. A leading UK fruit producer came to us to improve their packaging for fresh cherries. As they supply a wide network of retailers all across the UK, packaging plays a critical role in maintaining the shelf life of their product and helping to reduce food waste.
Fresh fruit continues to respire once it has been harvested, increasing the likelihood of it spoiling when traveling long distances. Keeping such products fresh for as long as possible starts with procedures to reduce the respiration rate. The lidding film on a punnet of cherries allows the product respiration to be kept at optimal conditions, while providing the necessary protection for the product, in transit as well as in-store.
Working with our fresh produce packaging experts, the UK producer was able to optimise product freshness while making significant steps forward in terms of sustainability and convenience.
REDUCING PLASTIC AND INCREASING PCR
Amcor proposed a solution that included the use of Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials, in this instance using Amcor LifeSpan® Peelable tray lidding. The new solution reduced the total film weight by 31% and incorporated a minimum of 30% PCR material into the film, reducing the use of virgin PET in the packaging.
Launching new packaging for a highly perishable product, like cherries, presents unique technical challenges regardless of material. Amcor's fresh produce exeperts and R&D team worked with the customer to maintain shelf-life and packing performance while transitioning to 30% recycled content. The new lidding solution is food contact approved and is suitable for all types of vegetables and fruits.
Bolstered by their partnership with Amcor, the customer plans to reduce the company’s annual usage of plastics by close to 4,000kgs by rolling out LifeSpan® Peelable tray lidding for more of their fresh produce.
This packaging switch has enabled the cherry supplier to decrease both their carbon footprint and water consumption for their lidding film by 31% compared to the original 26um virgin PET solution. Furthermore, using one lidding material for all products delivers cost-saving opportunities, improves operational efficiencies, and significantly reduces virgin plastic use.
Discover Amcor LifeSpan® Peelable tray lidding.
The most extensive range of high transparency PET films, designed to maintain freshness and extend the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables.
You can learn more about Amcor's packaging solutions for fruits and vegetables, or contact our fresh produce team.
Would you like to stay up to date on the latest industry trends? Sign up to receive information, learn about the latest product launches, and receive invitations to webinars about sustainability, regulations and other current packaging topics.
Related Insights
Asparagus season: How packaging can reduce food waste for asparagus
May 31, 2021
17 billion kilograms of fresh fruit and vegetables are wasted every year by European households. Discover with our infographic how Amcor packaging can help to reduce food waste of fresh produce this asparagus season.
17 billion kilograms of fresh fruit and vegetables are wasted every year by European households. Discover with our infographic how Amcor packaging can help to reduce food waste of fresh produce this asparagus season.
Research shows 80% of Europeans have changed the way they consume meat or meat alternatives
February 18, 2022
New research conducted by Amcor reveals how the Coronavirus pandemic has changed consumer attitudes toward meat and meat alternatives across Europe.
New research conducted by Amcor reveals how the Coronavirus pandemic has changed consumer attitudes toward meat and meat alternatives across Europe.
Fast and Fresh: Snack-Friendly Packaging for Prepared Fruit
July 7, 2020
Healthy eating trends and convenience are boosting the fruit snacks industry globally. According to Business Wire the global fruit snack market is forecasted to reach USD 9.1 billion by 2024. With demands high for variety and on-the-go availability it’s critical that packaging answers the demands of freshness, convenience and shelf life.
Healthy eating trends and convenience are boosting the fruit snacks industry globally. According to Business Wire the global fruit snack market is forecasted to reach USD 9.1 billion by 2024. With demands high for variety and on-the-go availability it’s critical that packaging answers the demands of freshness, convenience and shelf life.
