September/October 2023 - 20

PMMI
THE ASSOCIATION FOR PACKAGING AND PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES
Revolutionizing freshness
AUTOMATION HELPING TO REDUCE WASTE, IMPROVE QUALITY
With advancements
in technology,
the
By Maria Ferrante
PMMI
produce processing
sector is undergoing
a t r an s format ive
journey, where human
hands are increasingly
being replaced by the
precision and efficiency
of automation. Welcome
to the era of fresh
produce, redefined by smart machines
and cutting-edge robotics.
According to Sustainability and
Technology - The Future of Packaging
and Processing, a report produced by The
Association for Packaging and Processing
Technologies (PMMI), technology is
clearly playing a large role in all aspects
of manufacturing, including training.
Initiatives cited by the 82% of respondents
who experienced technology-enhanced
training included: original equipment
manufacturer/vendor-supported or -led
training on new equipment; involving
all employees in leading and managing
continuous improvements; video training;
software programs to test, record and
store training data; virtual training
" By streamlining operations
and minimizing human
handling, the industry can
significantly reduce waste. "
systems for remote workers; cloud-based
guides; digitized work instructions; and
using visual elements.
Using automation to address labor
force challenges and take over manual
tasks has been a success, the survey
found. Just 4% of those who replied to
the PMMI survey said it has not been at
all successful, compared with 88% who
felt it has been successful and 8% who
deemed it very successful.
The concept of automation is not
entirely new to the produce industry.
Historically, conveyor belts and basic
machinery have been used to streamline
certain aspects of the processing
and packaging stages. However, the
emergence of artificial intelligence,
machine learning and robotics has
ushered in a new era of automation,
revolutionizing the way we handle,
process and distribute fresh produce.
One of the key drivers behind the
automation surge is the desire for
enhanced efficiency and consistency.
Hand-picking and manual sorting, while
traditional and time-honored, can be slow
and prone to human errors. Automation
solutions offer speed and precision that
not only reduce processing times but also
ensure uniformity in product quality.
This consistency translates to greater
customer satisfaction and improved shelf
life, preserving the freshness and taste of
the produce from farm to table.
The heart of the automation revolution
lies in smart sorting and grading systems.
Using sophisticated sensors and computer
vision technology, these systems can
accurately assess the size, color, shape and
defects of each fruit or vegetable passing
through the assembly line. The data
collected is then used to categorize the
produce into different grades, optimizing
packaging and distribution.
For instance, ripe fruits can be
automatically separated from unripe
ones, allowing for tailored packaging
and distribution to various markets.
Additionally, defective items can be
identified and diverted for alternative
uses, reducing waste and ensuring that
only the best products reach consumers.
Automation's impact extends beyond
processing and into the fields themselves.
Autonomous robots equipped with
advanced sensors and cameras can
now perform delicate harvesting tasks.
These machines can identify ripe fruits
and delicately pluck them from the
plants, mimicking the precision of
skilled human hands. This development
addresses the ongoing challenge of labor
shortages and ensures a timely harvest
that minimizes losses.
Smart packaging solut ions have
also emerged, designed to prolong
the shelf life and freshness of fruits
and vegetables. Modified atmosphere
packaging (MAP) involves altering
20 SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2023
September/October 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September/October 2023
