Date: Thursday, 19 February 2009

With supply chain length increasing for sourcing fresh produce from further away, micro perforation is a solution which ensures produce retains its appearance and reaches consumers with minimal waste stock.

Compared to traditional clam shell packaging, micro perforation locks in nutrients and extends the shelf life of the produce, without having to add preservatives – a bonus for those with organic produce.

Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, strawberries continue to be one of the fastest growing summer fruits in European markets. For this reason, micro perforation has already been implemented in various countries including Germany, Poland, the Netherlands and Spain.

Using micro perforated film with strawberries, the shelf life has increased to nine days*. Clam shell packaging has only a maximum shelf life of six days* before signs of decay are detected. The micro perforated film retards fungus growth in the strawberries, retaining their appearance and extending their supermarket shelf life.

These aren't the only benefits of micro perforation. The packaging design enables packs to be stacked evenly on one another. Since the film is sealed, consumers are prevented from 'sampling' the produce in the supermarket before purchasing.
Strawberries aren't the only fruit or vegetable that will benefit from micro perforated film – mushrooms or asparagus can too.

*based on storage at 12°C