According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, an estimated 13 percent of the world’s food is lost in the supply chain from post-harvest prior to retail. In times of rising hunger levels and increasing pressure on earth’s resources, that is a fact that is hard to digest.
Is there a way around? A way to make sure that carefully produced food commodities actually do make it to retail after harvest? It is International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, so today, but actually every day, we reflect on the question how food loss and waste can be reduced.
Of infestation, mould and oxidation…
Passionate farmers devote a great deal of care, time and attention to creating a high-quality product, peanuts for instance. However, once the carefully grown crop has been harvested, packed and sent off for shipment from the country of origin, whatever happens during transit is completely out of the shipper’s control. During transport and long-term storage, the commodity faces a big risk of quality decrease or even loss due to insect infestation, mould growth and oxidation. Conventional packaging methods using kraft paper, cardboard sheets, jute bags and desiccants do not contribute enough to solving the problem.
An organic solution
So, to answer the question: yes, there is a way around! A way around food loss and waste in the form of a solution that contributes to making sure that these peanuts, whether raw or processed, whether freshly harvested or in storage, do make it to retail. An organic one even.
The VacQPack solution
We call it the VacQPack solution. It’s a versatile bulk MAP packaging solution. A combination of bulk bags and specially developed equipment. The bulk bags contain a multi-layer liner and provide an excellent oxygen and moisture barrier. The equipment allows for modified atmosphere packaging, a great way to extend shelf-life and preserve quality in a natural and non-toxic way.
Modified atmosphere
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is not new. It has been applied in the food industry for over 90 years. The technology is used to literally modify the internal atmosphere in packaging by reducing oxygen, and replacing it with carbon dioxide or nitrogen. This slows down the oxidation process and eliminates insects in all life stages. It can be used for both preventive and curative purposes.
Worldwide experience
Over the years, the VacQPack Group have introduced their revolutionary method all over the globe and gained a wealth of experience in packaging and quality preservation. Of many commodities. Tree nuts, rice, beans, powders, grains and yes, peanuts. Allowing producers and processors to reduce food loss and waste, making sure that this carefully produced peanut actually does make it to retail.
People and planet
And that’s how we play our role in the supply chain, however small, by making the VacQPack solution available to you. So that, together, we can work towards the reduction of food loss and waste. And make a difference for the people, for the planet. How may we be of service to you?
Do not hesitate to contact us for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!
VacQPack
Tol 14 | 4251 PX | Werkendam | The Netherlands
Eric van Genderen: +31 6 823 925 88 | e.vangenderen@vacqpack.com
Marcel Mulder: +31 6 109 922 93 | m.mulder@vacqpack.com
Dennis van der Leeden: +31 6 829 771 11 | d.vanderleeden@vacqpack.com