EMPACK, a leader in packaging solutions, together with STEPAC-PPC, a renowned company specializing in MAP films, with a focus on automatic applications, have joined forces again to present their latest innovation in the Chilean cherry industry. After two years of successful commercial testing with the Flowpack Xflow solution, both companies have developed an improved technology to increase the efficiency and versatility of their solution: the MultiSeal system.
After two challenging seasons, the Chilean cherry industry has managed to close a successful year, and in this “normal” season some significant trends have been confirmed. One highlight is the price difference per packaging, where 2.5 kg gift boxes have recorded sales up to 20% higher per kilo compared to 5 kg bulk in the Chinese market.
While labor availability has improved compared to previous years, it remains a widespread concern during seasonal work. In addition, processing speed has become a key factor, as every minute counts, especially for fruit awaiting processing, which has a direct impact on business profitability.
With the increasing industrialization of the process, it is crucial to ensure homogeneity in cherry preservation, which requires reliable and uniform equipment and supplies. Considering these variables, EMPACK and STEPAC-PPC have continued to work together to develop their 100% automated MAP Xflow sealing solution, now introducing MultiSeal, a complete system that allows high-speed sealing for multiple sizes continuously.
Nicolás Vidal, Post-harvest Manager at EMPACK, highlights: “The main objective of this development is to increase the proportion of 2.5 kg suitcases or other small packaging without slowing down the process, but always maintaining the quality and freshness of the fruit, and with a very robust traceability system.”
The MultiSeal solution involves the integration of Flowpack equipment, digital traceability and machine vision, together with STEPAC-PPC's recognised expertise in modified atmosphere technologies and its developments for automatic processes, which are characterised by their exceptional mechanical strength and precision laser perforation, allowing optimal levels of gases and humidity to be achieved for fruit preservation.
“We see MultiSeal as an enabler to package these smaller formats, which are more cost-effective, but also offer additional advantages such as reduced labor, less space required and the possibility of operating 24/7. In addition, it ensures greater food safety due to less handling,” adds Nicolás Vidal.
Along the same lines, the EMPACK representative concluded: “Together with STEPAC-PPC, we have demonstrated a very powerful capacity for innovation and we believe that this development does not end here. Together with our integration area, we are already working on new technological blocks that allow us to automate the process beyond sealing and segregation.”
EMPACK and STEPAC-PPC have a 9-year collaboration relationship, during which they have achieved important developments in the preservation of fresh fruit. Among their achievements are the flowpack solution for blueberries and the Xgo resealable heat-sealing solution, which allow the modified atmosphere to be maintained until it reaches the final consumer.
The official launch of MultiSeal is expected to revolutionize the cherry packaging industry in Chile, providing automated solutions that improve efficiency, profitability and fruit quality.
