StePacPPC introduces Xtend Pallet Shrouds for sustainable fresh produce transport

BRAZIL – StePacPPC, a leader in functional packaging for fresh produce, has launched its Xtend Pallet Shrouds, a sustainable solution designed to preserve the freshness of delicate produce like berries during long-haul transportation. 

The shrouds maintain quality at near-freezing temperatures, addressing challenges faced by traditional bulk carton liners.

The innovative packaging incorporates modified atmosphere (MA) and modified humidity (MH) technology to create an optimal environment inside the shroud. 

Made from polyamide-based film, the shrouds regulate moisture to prevent microbial decay and carton collapse, ensuring produce remains fresh from farm to retail. 

According to Gary Ward, StePacPPC’s CTO, the company can customize shrouds for various fruits and vegetables, with a variant focused solely on humidity control for items less suited to modified atmosphere settings.

In the Americas, packers in Mexico are using the shrouds to protect berries during extensive shipments across Central and North America. 

In Peru, the technology maintains blueberry quality during cold sterilization for U.S. exports.

Ward noted that the shrouds help avoid risks like ethylene buildup or temperature spikes for certain produce types.

For blueberry shipments from South Africa, where controlled atmosphere containers cost upwards of US$10,000 per unit, Xtend Pallet Shrouds provide a cost-effective alternative, reducing expenses while maintaining quality. 

The shrouds also support inventory management.

Polish growers have reported storing blueberries for up to four weeks, while Argentinian producers use them for three-week cold storage after airfreight to the Middle East, minimizing weight loss and decay.

In a statement, Ward said, “Our pallet shrouds optimize inventory management and ensure a consistent supply of high-quality berries, reducing waste and plastic use.” 

The technology delivers near-harvest freshness, enhancing customer satisfaction.

In January 2025, the company announced advancements in its Xtend solutions for exotic mushrooms, preserving freshness for over 10 days and cutting supply chain waste by 35%, according to a report by a leading produce news outlet. 

This follows their December 2024 launch of Xtend MA/MH packaging for long-haul transport of broccoli and other vegetables in the U.S. and Japan.

With these innovations, StePacPPC continues to address the needs of growers and shippers, offering practical, eco-friendly solutions for fresh produce preservation across diverse markets.

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