January/February 2024 - 25

THE ASSOCIATION FOR PACKAGING AND PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES
PMMI
" Overcoming capital investment barriers, adapting production lines, ensuring precise operational
protocols and managing post-processing logistics are crucial aspects that demand attention. "
and enzymes present in fresh produce.
This retention of nutritional elements
ensures that consumers receive the
maximum health benefits from the food.
HPP allows for greater flexibility
in packaging options for produce. By
extending the shelf life of perishable
items, producers and retailers can explore
various packaging materials and formats
without the immediate concern of rapid
spoilage. This flexibility opens doors to
innovative packaging designs, convenient
portion sizes and reduced food waste,
aligning with consumer demand for
sustainability and convenience.
While HPP offers numerous benefits,
this technology isn't a one-size-fits-all
solution. Certain factors, including the type
of produce, pressure levels and processing
times, must be meticulously calibrated
to ensure optimal results. Additionally,
while HPP eliminates harmful pathogens,
it does not eradicate all microorganisms.
Hence, proper handling and storage postprocessing
remain essential to maintain
food safety standards.
Another challenge lies in the capital
investment required for installing and
maintaining high-pressure equipment.
The substantial costs associated with
acquiring HPP machinery and ensuring
its proper upkeep can be a significant
barrier for smaller processors.
While HPP enhances the shelf life of
produce, it demands stringent operational
protocols. Processors must adhere to
precise pressure levels and processing
times tailored to different fruits and
vegetables. The need for specialized
expertise and meticulous calibration
poses a learning curve for personnel
operating the equipment, potentially
impacting production efficiency during
the initial phases.
But there is help. The Cold Pressure
Council acknowledges the challenges
with this technology and actively
provides support and guidance to
processors navigating these hurdles. This
association offers resources, including
best practices, training modules and
industry insights, to assist processors
in effectively integrating HPP into
their production lines while mitigating
operational disruptions and ensuring
food safety standards.
HPP holds promise for revolutionizing
produce packaging, but its implementation
poses specific challenges for processors.
Overcoming capital investment barriers,
adapting production lines, ensuring
precise operational protocols and
managing post-processing logistics are
crucial aspects that demand attention.
Solutions to these challenges can
be explored at PACK EXPO East 2024
(March 18-20, Pennsylvania Convention
Center, Philadelphia). See the latest
innovations in action and discover
the latest solutions to your produce
packaging and processing challenges
at the largest edition of the show to
date, with exhibits from more than
40 vertical markets offering crossover
solutions to manufacturing needs.
Companies cam assess the latest
technologies, learn from leading
industry experts and make valuable
connect ions to meet cur rent or
upcoming projects.
For more information and to register,
go to packexpoeast.com.
Tom Egan is vice president of Industry
Services for PMMI.
Semi-Automatic Produce Packaging
Extend Shelf Life
and Portion Control
Model PRW
www.produceprotect.net
PRODUCE PROCESS ING
25

http://www.packexpoeast.com http://www.produceprotect.net

January/February 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January/February 2024