Modified atmosphere packaging is becoming more and more popular for preserving freshness and extending the storage and shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Promotion of healthy eating and increasing world population are driving global transactions and consumption of fruits and vegetables; efforts to make the transactions cost-effective, reduce supply chain waste, and carbon footprint are driving the increased use of modified atmosphere packaging and other technologies that preserve fresh produce freshness during such transactions.
The principles of the packaging, the benefits, and potential pitfalls are discussed. Ultimately, successful implementation and sustained success of modified atmosphere packaging is dependent on a holistic approach that takes into consideration numerous factors, including, but not limited to a packaging design that provides optimal modified atmosphere conditions and yet is tolerant to inevitable temperature breaches in the supply chain, good carton design that allows for adequate ventilation, sanitation, prompt cooling, and good temperature management throughout the cold chain.
Successful control and management of these factors opens up opportunities for use of modified atmosphere packaging for reducing waste in the supply chain, sea as opposed to air freight, season extension, and consistently high produce quality and taste experience for the consumer. Examples of these applications are provided