The philosophy behind a Dutch firm's fresh produce packaging is a simple mantra – 'reduce food waste'. BrimaPack is at the forefront of efforts to significantly cut the shocking amount of food that is thrown away every year with its innovation in vegetable packaging and handling that has been shortlisted for the Fruit Logisitica Innovation Award 2014. At www.freshfruitportal.com, we profile the company and discover its big plans for this week's event.

BrimaPack will be using the forthcoming trade fair in Berlin to showcase a range of products it says are revolutionizing the way the industry packages vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and iceberg lettuce.

The Netherlands-based business has developed a variety of methods to use its extended shelf life packaging system by sealing brassicas in a film that creates an optimal atmosphere for storing and displaying broccoli, not only keeping the produce fresh and clean but allowing it to breathe in natural conditions.

The film packaging works without expensive perforation, does not use any chemicals or gases to absorb ethylene, and optimizes conditions so that vegetables taste better and last longer.

A spokesperson said the life of broccoli could be extended by between five and eight days with the film, which perfectly encases the produce and is sealed at the butt with no need for punnets or clips.

The packing system is used in combination with the NicePack, a modular machine concept which can clean and pack a maximum of 17 pieces per minute with one worker using two machines at the same time. Up to 130 products per minute can be packaged on a multi-machine set up which means the concept works across the board serving small to medium sized growers as well as much larger operations.

BrimaPack has another unique edge to its business with the option to use a machine either in the factory or out on the field.

"The machines operate inside a packing facility or can be mounted on self propelled harvesting machine to harvest, grade, pack and label the produce directly in the field," the spokesperson said.

First coming to market in January 2013, the system is currently used by large growers in northern Europe and South America, from the "cold and moist climate of the U.K." to the "dry Brazilian heat".

"Food waste is high on the agenda in the world as over 40% of fresh food is discharged. Fruit and vegetables are in the top five of the most wasted products. This is a concern that touches everybody," the spokesperson said.

"For companies in the supply chain, including retailers, it is a significant cost factor and therefore has an important impact on the company’s bottom line.

"For consumers, it is throwing money down the drain, reducing their spending power. For governments, it raises concern on how to feed the world's future population. BrimaPack's new innovation is a small step in the right direction."

The company also has another concept it will present in the German capital. Owner Ron van de Pavert is tipping the 'Rover' as the next big thing in the company's 60-year trading history.

"Our new, agile and compact Rover concept will be introduced at Fruit Logistica this coming February and the first system will be implemented at the start of the 2014 growing season," he said.

"Regarding the size, capacity and investment the Rover is the ideal solution for the small/midsize growers. The maximum capacity is up to 3,000 heads per hour. What makes the system unique is that the drive system while harvesting is fully electric."

Our coverage of Fruit Logistica Innovation Award nominees is based on a random selection of half the candidates and in no way indicates the potential winner.

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