StePacPPC has introduced the Xgo PAZ resealable pouch, a stand-up retail format that the company says combines modified atmosphere, modified humidity and condensation control in a single structure. Engineered for moisture-sensitive produce such as cucumbers, the patent-pending pouch applies flexible-film technology and, according to the company, helps preserve quality for up to 16 days, maintaining crisp texture, flavour and vibrant colour from harvest through retail display to home refrigeration.

The moisture and atmosphere trade-off

Stand-up resealable pouches are among the fastest-growing packaging formats for fresh fruit and vegetables, but combining moisture control with a modified atmosphere has remained a challenge. Cucumbers are often packed in laminated stand-up pouches whose low water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) restricts the release of excess moisture, creating conditions that accelerate microbial decay.

Macro-perforation is the usual remedy, but it sacrifices the modified atmosphere, accelerates dehydration and shortens shelf life, and condensation is still likely. These issues become more pronounced when cucumbers cannot be sufficiently cooled before packing, travel through unstable supply chains or sit at ambient conditions on display before reaching a domestic refrigerator.

Three functions, one pouch

“With traditional laminated pouches, achieving modified atmosphere for shelf-life extension comes at the expense of optimal moisture control,” explains Dr Gary Ward, CTO for StePacPPC. “Conversely, if you want optimal moisture control, you need to macro-perforate, which is at the expense of modified atmosphere and increases the risk of dehydration.”

The company offers the pouches with variable WVTR films, adjusting the film to the preservation requirements of each item and the prevailing supply chain conditions.

The stand-up pouches come in a range of sizes with a resealable closure, and condensation control keeps the contents clearly visible on the shelf.

Commercial use and shelf-life tests

Wholesum Family Farms, Inc. has debuted its Lil’ Ones™ Organic Baby Cucumbers snack packs in 8 oz. Xgo pouches. Before commercial expansion, it ran 16-day shelf-life tests under simulated supply chain conditions. At day 16, the PAZ pouch delivered a 29 percentage-point advantage in overall quality for organic baby cucumbers compared with a top-seal alternative, and a 10 percentage-point advantage for organic mini cucumbers compared with traditional macro-perforated packaging. The company attributes this to reduced moisture, decay and mould, together with better product visibility, appearance and overall quality.

“Excess moisture may seem like a small challenge, but it can have a significant impact on how consumers perceive freshness,” adds Joanna Jaramillo, marketing manager for Wholesum.

Packagers of exotic fruits, including lychee, pitaya, rambutan and longan, are also adopting the pouches as a more suitable alternative to clamshells, which typically must be opened to wipe condensation from the underside of the lid after temperature fluctuations. Florida-based Freshway Produce, Inc. uses the PAZ pouch exclusively for its exotic fruit line, packing at source in the final retail format and avoiding the high cost of repacking on arrival in the US.

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