FEATURE
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
Packaging : thousands of solutions to preserve produce Compiled by Benjamin Brits
From times of past , packaging has evolved to include many elements of both engineering and science . The understanding of produce has simultaneously grown too .
The world of packaging is really vast , and comprises not only numerous types of equipment and ways of handling goods , it also includes many different material-types . So , from the farm all the way through to the consumer , you will encounter several solutions , no matter if processed by hand , semiautonomous , or fully autonomous systems . In addition , what you could expect to find would depend on the particular point in the supply chain cycle that you look at .
Having attended the recent Propak Africa exhibition to learn more about the packaging sector – it was indeed an eye-opening experience to see the different equipment and machines , designs and systems used in this space . A lot of attention was naturally placed on bulk produce handling , sorting and measuring , sustainability , health and quality . Other highlights were the upholding of standards and professionalism , and another factor that is important globally – waste reduction . Quite a list of things for packaging clients to take in .
As the world is on the cliffs-edge of yet another food crisis according to the Food and Agricultural Organisation , mounting pressure is evident – particularly as waste continues to see double digit figures annually and on the back of the ongoing conflict between Russia and the Ukraine [ current at time of publishing ], food supply chains have already been severely impacted – notably a large portion to Africa where the poorest communities are most affected .
As delays have hence become the norm - one would expect that packaging manufacturers and scientists are looking at as many ways of preserving produce shelf life as possible – and yes , this is the case along the entire cold chain . Reducing waste is a critical theme particularly with fresh fruit , vegetables , and medicines . Utilising the correct packaging and systems for perishables is now more important than ever as supply chains to all corners around the world are really getting put under the magnifying glass . Maintaining the cold chain is aided by interventions , and this is where developments in the packaging space are adding immense value .
A significant influence over packaging has come from the consumer and the quickly diversified solutions required for changed , and changing behaviour . This has reportedly been driven by new purchasing platforms and an increased expectation of quality and value . As we know today , quality receives a premium rate .
The “ right ” fresh produce packaging solutions therefore offer substantial gains in processing time , logistics and presentation . It further plays an important role today in a company ’ s brand and product perception – be that through transportation or when it lands on the retail shelf . Safety requirements are a given and the concept of packaging has moved solidly within the post-harvest category as a lot of produce science or understanding
All image credits : Cold Link Africa how certain produce reacts in different environments and under different conditions assists the cold chain .
In certain regions , however , some traditional methods of packaging and storage are still the best solution given a particular setting – such as in remote desert areas – where for example one would still see the use of clay chambers that get sealed and opened to preserve fresh fruit and vegetables .
The line-up of the types of packaging materials could include any , or a combination , of paper , wood , cardboard , plastics , fabric or cloth , glass , steel , and synthetics that would be used as the raw materials for manufacturing of packaging products that come in various configurations , including :
• Nets
• Bags
• Films
• Trays
• Cups
• Boxes
• Crates
• Bins
• Baskets
• Cartons
• Pallets
• Bottles
• Shells
• Punnets
• Seatings
• Etc
Worth noting is that there is a strong common goal to reduce , rework , recycle , recover and renew packaging materials in order to achieve a significant decrease in the total packaging carbon footprint globally . It has therefore become important for clients and consumers alike as to the choice of material , design , manufacturing process , and even the choice of print or branding methods used by suppliers . Subsequently , the views on certain raw materials have received a lot of attention for some years now in terms of pollution and ability to degrade naturally .
Interestingly , various sources then indicate that a country ’ s total packaging sector can be used as a lead indicator of the strength
A retail store with a variety of packaged products .
of the economy - owing to the fact that almost everything sold today is packaged in some or other form . The packaging sector in South Africa is still considered “ small ” given its noted contribution to GDP – being slightly shy of two percent of the South African total . However , with the increasing demand of South African produce and capacity building in several perishable categories such as fresh produce and pharmaceuticals , this is one sector with huge untapped potential for growth .
PACKAGING INFLUENCE IN MARKETS Under the reflections of commercial and environmental pressure to meet targets and scientifically developed best practices , packaging design continues to reduce its impact on energy needs and material quantities , bettering handling , logistics and storage , and the contribution to pollution and landfills .
The cold chain packaging market size has been reported that it will reach USD34.7- billion globally within the next five years . This directly relates to increasing demand for packaging solutions from the food processing industry , the changing lifestyle
Wood and plastic crates used at a potato farm that also keeps seed potatoes over season for future planting .
of the consumers , a rising population , and rapid urbanisation in emerging economies . In addition , the increased use of processed food items such as meat , frozen fruits and vegetables , seafood , and dairy products has played into this increased demand . Furthermore , the packaging sector continues to gain momentum from the fast-growing pharmaceutical sector and global trading conditions of these products .
A major restraint , however , has been recorded as the stringent regulation and high costs involved in product development that have affected market growth until now . Cold chain packaging is comparatively more expensive than standard packaging . To keep best quality products and to meet required specification and the use of technically advanced raw materials , a skilled workforce is required thus driving up costs . Increasing global regulatory aspects such as health and safety protocols , environmental impacts , and product treatments also continue to create hurdles for packaging to the cold supply chain .
LOCAL FACTORS OF CONSIDERATION Wastage or spoiled produce owing to poor packaging choices , incorrect design or simply the choice to save a few rand at the producer has far-reaching consequences . One would need to look at resultant waste from a holistic perspective . When a ton of fresh produce is lost owing to poor / unsaleable condition it is not just the product lost which role players need to be cognisant of – what must be taken into account is also the natural resources such as water that went into production , fertiliser , manpower , energy consumption in cooling , processing and storage , harvesting costs , and the diesel to move the product around – besides the impact of those activities on the environment and the impact of the actual produce that must be discarded or destroyed .
26 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za COLD LINK AFRICA • September 2022