Færch Plast to absorb meat waste problem
The firm sealed a sales agreement with Paper Pak Industries (PPI) on the use of UltraZap XtendaPak absorber for its first use in Europe.
The absorber, which is already available in the US, is placed underneath the packaged meat and limits bacteria growth while enabling the fresh product to retain its juices.
Testing is being done and further trials are ready to go as soon as commercial agreements can be made.
Færch Plast said that the absorber has improved functionality over existing products on the market but looks the same and will seem familiar to customers.
How it works
Torben Nygaard Pedersen, key account manager, told FoodQualityNews.com it is approved by FDA and EFSA.
“The active ingredients in the pads produce CO2 and the meat absorbs CO2 as soon as the pack is sealed, it is then at 30% and it can drop in 10 minutes to 15% with the meat absorption.
“The pad is custom-made to release CO2 over time and not instantly, it increases the level to the starting point so there is a better possibility of keeping bacteria growth down.
“If it released it instantly the meat pack would look like a balloon or a football and the end consumer would know something is wrong.
“It means there is more chance of selling the product instead of customers buying the fresher looking products that have just been delivered.”
Laboratory testing has shown that reduction in bacterial formulation can extend shelf life by one or two days for fresh meat and fish, provided that the meat’s initial quality, product flow and cold chain are up to standard.
Absorbers in vacuum pack meat are being studied to avoid the odour released when the pack is opened.
Reduce wastage
The shelf life extension could have an important impact on the amount of meat thrown away, which was shown to be an issue by a WRAP report.
Pedersen added that the absorber will reduce wastage and extend shelf life which is a major focus area for retailers.
“Retailers are chasing a longer shelf life and cut down on what they waste. We knew this was a request from retailers in Scandinavia and the UK so it is a chance to extend the shelf life of products.
“The partnership is interesting and important, PPI are spending a lot of money on R&D and this product is unique to the market to make a difference.”
Færch Plast’s owners, Færch Holding, revealed they are investigating a possible sale of the firm earlier this year.
