Fresh Inset boosting freshness and quality with Vidre+

Poland-based Fresh Inset has announced that it is introducing Vidre+ Complex, its technology that it said “unlocks the full potential of 1-MCP (1-Methylcyclopropene) application across the entire supply chain”, to the US market. 

“The patented timed and gradual release of 1-MCP in Vidre+ technology ensures a controlled application effectively extending the freshness, quality, appearance and nutrient values of produce,” the company said. 

The company added that the approach provided optimal protection during storage, transportation and retail.

“Vidre+ is revolutionising the supply chain seamlessly without any reorganisation of current operating practices, by making every existing type of fresh produce packaging and label functional and adaptable into a smart version with adjustable protection against the negative effects of ethylene,” it stated. “Vidre+ Stickers, a flagship product, can be tailored to optimise size and dose rate, ensuring effective protection for ethylene-sensitive produce in any type or size of packaging, including cardboard boxes, bags, trays and clamshells. Branding and white-label opportunities are also available.”

Fresh Inset’s chief technology officer, Tim Malefyt, said research had shown Vidre+ to be effective on cherries, blueberries, raspberries, table grapes, limes, tomatoes, avocados, leafy greens, broccoli, peppers and more.

“It can be used right after harvest as well as during transport or storage to provide days to weeks (depending on the crop type) of additional shelf-life to freshly harvested produce, helping to keep its quality and nutritional value and remain fit for the market,” he said. “We are excited to offer a solution that extends beyond apples and pears to benefit many other produce categories. This is a game changer.”

Vidre+ has received GRAS status by the FDA, according to Fresh Inset, and is revolutionising 1-MCP delivery with the Vidre+ functional sticker, but the company said there was more to come. 

“The company is disrupting and de-commoditising the flexible and cardboard packaging industries with Vidre+ Complex by empowering PE, PP, PET films and paper cardboard that carry Vidre+ technology with the ability to extend freshness, without creating additional landfill waste,” Fresh Inset stated.

Kevin Frye, Fresh Inset’s VP market development, North America, commented: “The use of Vidre+ to combat the negative effects of ethylene and extend produce shelf-life is not new. However, Fresh Inset has taken it to the next level with dose rate flexibility and gradual release technology that is operationally simple, affordable and enhances profitability. This is an incredibly exciting innovation that is garnering unprecedented interest amongst growers, packers, shippers and retailers alike, as they can all easily incorporate it into their operations and benefit from it, while increasing their sustainability efforts toward food waste reduction. 

“Packaging companies are equally excited about the ability to empower their existing bags, boxes and clamshells with a freshness function and deliver added value packaging to their customers that will actually improve the freshness and quality of their produce.”