With Freshsafe, Multivac provides a packaging system for the production of EMAP packs that keeps fruit and vegetables fresh in the pack for a long time and can be precisely customised to the specific properties of the fresh product in question.
Fruit and vegetables live on after harvesting. If they are to remain fresh and appetising in their packaging until they are consumed, the metabolic processes must be regulated using a special procedure. With Freshsafe from Multivac a packaging system is available for the production of EMAP packs, which permanently, naturally and sustainably optimises the oxygen content in the pack.
The Breton co-operative Les Maraîchers d'Armor, for example, uses the technology to produce its white beans, the so-called „Cocos de Paimpol“, packaged in trays in a protective atmosphere and thus preserve their durability and quality for as long as possible.
„To meet the growing consumer demand for a ready-to-cook all-in-one product, the idea of packaging Paimpol beans in a modified atmosphere was born in 2020. The challenge was to find a safe packaging concept for a semi-dry product that changes extremely quickly after harvesting.“ Florian Josselin, responsible for innovation at the co-operative Les Maraîchers d'Armor
The solution was Freshsafe. In this process, pre-perforated films or films that are mechanically perforated directly in a Multivac packaging machine ensure controlled oxygen permeability, which precisely matched to the specific respiration properties of the respective fresh product can be achieved. The aim is always to maintain a concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide that is favourable for the specific product.
The equilibrium atmosphere (EMAP) is achieved through the interaction between the respiration of the product (respiration) and the required permeability of the film (permeability). The Freshsafe packaging system can on thermoforming packaging machines, traysealers and chamber machines be realised.
Traysealer with Freshsafe microperforation system
Les Maraîchers d'Armor uses the T 600, the smallest fully automatic Multivac traysealer that can be integrated into a packaging line. The scalable and versatile model is suitable for for the flexible packaging of small and medium-sized batches and is particularly easy to operate thanks to the IPC06 control system with touchscreen. The T 600 is equipped with the Freshsafe micro-perforation system, which perforates the upper web during the packaging process. Thanks to the cost-effective needle perforation, all common top films can be adjusted to their individual required permeability.
For the requirements at Les Maraîchers d'Armor, the packaging machine was equipped with a TDS 300 tray dispenser from TVI, an MDC take-up conveyor and a direct web printer from Multivac supplemented. The trays themselves consist of a cardboard tray and a transparent top film, so that consumers can convince themselves of the freshness of the product at a glance.
Source: Multivac
