Next generation modified atmosphere materials to extend farm storage & reduce waste

The control of respiratory gases within a storage or packaging environment is often used to extend

postharvest storage/shelf life of fresh fruit and vegetables, and thereby reduce wastage in the supply

chain. Current modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) can extend the postharvest quality of fresh

produce, but its performance is often limited by its inability to adequately respond to the changing

physiology of the produce, leading to the development of sub-optimal gas conditions. MAP would

benefit considerably if it were made flexible and more responsive to these conditions. This project will

focus on the development of the next generation of MAP comprising innovative cost effective inserts

which are able to manipulate the internal atmosphere of the packaging by administering the ideal

gaseous conditions at the optimum time for prolonged storage & improved management of produce

in the farmer’s cold storage and the entire supply chain.