PrimePro EAP FAQs
How does PrimePro work?
PrimePro® is a polyethylene plastic film containing a proprietary additive. This additive is specially designed to remove ethylene from the air around fresh produce. As ethylene is removed, the process of ripening and decay can be slowed, dramatically extending the shelf life of fresh produce.
PrimePro® is also a breathable plastic film, so it allows the right exchange of gases through the package to help prevent anaerobic bacterial infection.
It’s important to note that – unlike other shelf life extension technologies – PrimePro®‘s shelf life extension effect does not depend on changing the levels of O2 and CO2 inside the package. This allows more forgiveness of breaks in the cold chain and allows some packages to be ventilated. It also allows for the creation of packages that can be shipped and stored at low temperatures and then merchandised in a grocery store at room temperature.
Pallet covers are typically used for commodities like strawberries, where air circulation is not critical to shelf life of the produce. Different types of produce generate their own heat at different rates, through biological activity.
Will PrimePro trap moisture and increase condensation on the produce?
No. PrimePro has an anti-fog additive to reduce the build-up of condensation inside the package/carton. Pallet covers are not sealed, and therefore allow for some amount of air circulation, which also alleviates moisture build up. This is important because moisture is a potential source that leads to decay.
What are the effects of ethylene on produce?
It has been scientifically proven that exposure to ethylene shortens shelf life of fresh produce and flowers by speeding up the process of florescence (flowering, blooming), ripening and decay.
- Increase in respiration
- Water loss
- Yellowing or spotting
- Production of more ethylene
- Accelerated ripening, ageing and decay
- Reduction in nutrient content (e.g. loss of vitamin C)
- Taste and aroma changes, off-flavours such as bitterness
- Loss of leaves and flowers, sprouting, toughening
How long can PrimePro EAP extend product shelf life?
It depends on the type of product. We can’t put a specific time that it extends shelf life since it is very different for many types of produce, some products even up to a year (e.g. pears). As another example, with strawberries, it extends shelf life only by a few days - but for strawberries, these few days is critical and worth a lot of money to the grower/shipper.
What quality parameters does PrimePro help to improve?
Maintenance of produce quality is important all the way along the distribution chain from grower to consumer - reducing losses from rotting and spoilage as well as water loss. Other quality issues which are affected by ethylene or condensation – both of which are controlled by PrimePro.
What happens if my PrimePro pallet cover tears or has a hole in it?
This will not affect the performance of PrimePro. There is no need to seal it around the base of the pallet, and no use of gases like the process used for modified atmosphere packaging.
What is the shelf-life of un-used PrimePro?
We recommend 1 year as a suggested shelf life for PrimePro®. It should be stored in its original cartons in a cool, dry place. If the carton has been opened, the carton liner should be folded over tightly and the carton re-sealed. Yellowing or other changes in the appearance of the film indicates that storage conditions may not have been correct. We recommend the customer discard the product and replace with new product.