LifeSpan usage instructions
Summary
- Quality Produce must be used
- Rapid removal of Field Heat essential for best results
- Good Cold Chain Integrity essential for best results
- LifeSpan packaging works best with high sugar fruit
- LifeSpan packaging must be opened on removal from cold chain
- LifeSpan packaging must be trialed before use
- Significant modification of O2 & CO2 required for best results
- One liner does not fit all
- Correct use of LifeSpan can greatly reduce the respiration rate of fresh produce
- LifeSpan packaging is a tool that can extend the life of fresh produce if used correctly. If - LifeSpan packaging is used incorrectly, quality deterioration of fresh produce can be accelerated.
It is important in the use of LifeSpan packaging and indeed any shelf life extension system that only top quality produce of the correct maturity is used. Produce must not be under ripe as the increased sugar levels improve its storage capacity, whilst equally important is that it not be over ripe as this makes the produce vulnerable to bruising and subsequent damage.
The removal of field heat as quickly as possible after harvest is of paramount importance as each hour at elevated temperatures reduces the potential for long keeping. Equally important is that the fruit or vegetable is allowed to cool over night after harvest to allow the respiration rates to slow down prior to packing and again packed in the coolest environment possible and for as short a period as practical before re-entering the cool room.
It is important to ensure the packed produce is cooled completely down to the required transport temperature before dispatch as it is difficult to ensure the temperature in transit.
Upon reaching the market if the produce in LifeSpan packaging is to be removed from the cold chain it must at this time be opened as rising temperatures will cause sweating in a sealed plastic bag. Most importantly all horticultural produce is variable having been grown in a great variety of conditions from soil types to the weather. There are many such variables which can affect the ultimate ability of the produce to last the required distance. Thus it is essential to test LifeSpan packaging in each situation and we at LifeSpan are only too pleased to supply liners free of charge for this purpose.
LifeSpan packaging technical staff routinely travel the world educating, instructing, and servicing users. We have also put together documents outlining the correct use of LifeSpan packaging products.
