TIPA and shelf-life extension specialist PerfoTec have joined forces to create compostable packaging that doubles the shelf life of fresh produce. The partnership comes as consumer demand for low-waste packaging continues to grow, and suppliers seek sustainable packaging solutions that don’t compromise produce quality.
The laser micro-perforated compostable film provides retailers and suppliers with the ideal packaging qualities to reduce food waste, combat plastic pollution and cut carbon emissions. TIPA and PerfoTec’s combined technologies have been found to extend the shelf-life of fruit, vegetables and flowers by up to two times.
TIPA’s compostable packaging performs like a conventional plastic but decomposes in compost back into the soil with no toxic residue, microplastics or other pollutants. Its packaging solutions seamlessly fit with industry machinery and manufacturing practices. PerfoTec’s patented ‘high precision laser technology’ facilitates longer shelf-life by adapting the permeability of food packaging.
Some 85 percent of UK consumers believe compostable packaging should be used to wrap food as an alternative to plastic. Industry demand for environmental plastic substitutes that don’t compromise produce quality is also rising. Growing market share for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic, like compostable films, is projected to be a key contributor to the growth of the global flexible packaging market. The market is expected to increase from $160.8 billion to $200.5 billion by 2025.
PerfoTec’s CEO, Bas Groeneweg, said: “After months of trials with this film, we realised that TIPA’s compostable film combined with PerfoTec’s patented laser perforation provided the best shelf-life for fruits, vegetables and flowers by far. It provides longer shelf-life and freshness which means fewer quality losses, less food waste and cost savings for producers and retailers.
“Partnering with TIPA to create compostable packaging that can outperform conventional plastic is a hugely exciting step forward for sustainable packaging. We’re delighted to be playing our part in the stride against quality losses, food waste and plastic pollution.”
Ayellet Zinger, VP of Sales for TIPA, said: “In combining our technologies, TIPA and PerfoTec form a synergistic partnership that optimises flexible packaging for produce.
“We have created an exceptional product that extends the shelf-life of fruit, vegetables and flowers with a protective and fully compostable film that decomposes just like the product its packaging. TIPA and PerfoTec bring huge added value for flexible produce packaging, reducing food and packaging waste, and providing solutions for the future of sustainable packaging.”