Fresh Takes On Tech

• From Freshness to Packaging: Dual Innovations Shaping Produce’s Future

  Explore how innovation in food preservation and sustainable packaging is transforming the produce industry. Vonnie Estes engages with Joaquin Fisch of NAT4Bio on developing biological solutions for post-harvest preservation using natural polymers. Discover their strategies for extending fresh food shelf-life and adapting to different crops. Later, Jerold Zwas from PakItGreen shares insights into creating sustainable, compostable packaging that integrates seamlessly with existing systems, aiming to reduce reliance on single-use plastics. Learn how these technologies are paving the way for a more sustainable food future.Key TakeawaysNAT4Bio focuses on biological solutions using natural polymers to enhance freshness preservation and reduce chemical use in post-harvest processes.PakItGreen is spearheading the movement to eliminate single-use plastics with eco-friendly, fiber-based packaging that is easily integrated into current systems.Participation in accelerator programs facilitated valuable insights and partnerships, which were crucial for both companies in refining their products.Regulations against single-use plastics are driving innovation in sustainable packaging, with companies like PakItGreen at the forefront.Engagement with produce industry giants is a gradual process, often taking years to transition from pilot programs to full-scale implementation.Guest ResourcesInnovative Packaging Program Info/Application: https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/fresh-field-catalyst/NAT4Bio WebsitePakItGreen WebsiteShow LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

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• From Seaweed to Shelf Life: Innovators Transforming the Produce Aisle

  Explore innovative strides in sustainable packaging and post-harvest solutions with Alyssa Pace from Sway and Anthony Zografos of Akorn Technology. Discover Sway’s groundbreaking use of seaweed for compostable packaging, tackling plastic waste in fresh produce. Learn about Akorn’s all-natural, chemical-free coatings enhancing produce shelf life while reducing waste, aligning with evolving consumer and retailer demands. Hosted by Vonnie Estes, this episode delves into the challenges and breakthroughs in transforming the produce industry’s approach to sustainability, driven by technology and creative material science.Key TakeawaysSway aims to revolutionize packaging by developing compostable solutions using sustainable seaweed materials.Clarity remains a significant hurdle in the adoption of new packaging materials, but brands focusing on sustainability can build consumer trust.Akorn Technology’s natural coatings offer an effective, chemical-free solution for extending the lifespan and quality of fresh produce.Recent industry changes, like Walmart’s policy against certain chemicals, highlight a growing shift toward natural alternatives.Both companies are part of the Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator, which has provided essential industry connections and support for market penetration.Guest ResourcesInnovative Packaging Program Info/Application: https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/fresh-field-catalyst/Akorn Technology: https://akorn.tech/Sway: https://swaythefuture.com/Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

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• From Pack Expo, Market Outlook: Sustainable Packaging Trends in the Produce Industry

  Explore the evolving landscape of sustainable packaging in the fresh produce industry with insights from Wyatt Maysey of Taylor Fresh Foods and Nate Klingler of IFCO. Delve into the pressures and innovations shaping packaging decisions, from regulatory impacts and material selection to technology’s role in optimizing sustainability. Discover how industry leaders are navigating extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations and adapting strategies for a circular economy. This episode also highlights challenges for smaller companies and the importance of lifecycle assessments in driving thoughtful packaging solutions. Key TakeawaysRetailer Pressure & Regulation: While retailers initially drove sustainability changes in packaging due to public goals, regulations like EPR are now the main forces shaping decisions. Material Innovations: Innovations in packaging material such as fiber-based polymers present opportunities and challenges, particularly in maintaining product freshness and safety. Lifecycle Analysis: The use of lifecycle assessments (LCA) is highlighted as crucial in measuring the true environmental impact of packaging materials, beyond initial sourcing and production phases. Reusable Packaging Systems: IFCO’s efforts illustrate the significant operational and sustainability benefits of reusable packaging within the produce supply chain. 2023 & Beyond Vision: Both guests emphasize the importance of moving beyond a throwaway culture towards a circular economy while advocating for more robust brand-consumer relationships in produce. Guest ResourcesInnovative Packaging Program Info/Application: https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/fresh-field-catalyst/Taylor Farms website: www.taylorfarms.comIFCO Website: https://www.ifco.com/Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

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• Packaging Transformation: The Consumer's Role in Future Design Choices

  Join host Vonnie Estes as she delves into the evolving landscape of sustainability in fresh produce packaging with Wyatt Maysey, Director of Sustainability at Taylor Farms. This episode explores the influence of regulatory changes, technological advancements, and consumer demands on packaging solutions. Discover the challenges of transitioning to sustainable materials, the importance of data-driven approaches, and the potential shifts in consumer perceptions by 2030. Estes and Maysey discuss innovative tools like Specright and the impact of regulations at the state level, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the future of sustainable packaging.Key TakeawaysRegulatory pressures are currently the biggest drivers of sustainability changes in packaging, superseding consumer and retailer influences.Establishing a data-driven foundation on packaging usage and material specifications is crucial for adapting to evolving regulations.Technological advancements in raw material extraction and manufacturing processes are pivotal to achieving lower environmental impacts in packaging.Transitioning to new packaging materials requires careful consideration of the entire supply chain, from production efficiency to consumer perceptions.The future of produce packaging may involve prioritizing brand trust over transparency, as innovation might shift towards less visible product packaging.Guest ResourcesInnovative Packaging Program Info/Application: https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/fresh-field-catalyst/Taylor Farms website: www.taylorfarms.comSpecRight: A spec management system to organize packaging data.This episode offers a deep dive into the complexities of sustainable packaging innovations in the fresh produce industry. Tune in to explore these insights with Wyatt Maysey, and stay connected for more enlightening episodes of “Fresh Takes on Tech” that empower you to navigate the intersection between agriculture, technology, and sustainability.Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intlfreshproduceassn/

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• Beyond Transparency: Cory Connors on the Future of Produce Packaging

  In this engaging episode of Fresh Takes on Tech, host Vonnie Estes welcomes the insightful Cory Connors. As the host of the “Sustainable Packaging Podcast” and a leading figure in sustainable packaging solutions, Cory shares his extensive experience and knowledge on the current trends, challenges, and innovations within the packaging industry. This episode stands out as a deep dive into how packaging, legislation, and sustainability intersect, particularly in the fresh produce sector.Cory and Vonnie discuss the complexities of introducing sustainable packaging in the produce industry, emphasizing the essential balance between functionality and eco-friendliness. Cory explains, “There’s nothing sustainable about rotten food,” highlighting the need for packaging to preserve product quality above all. They explore how industry changes, like the move away from single-use plastics and styrofoam, are impacting suppliers and retailers. The conversation reveals the gradual shift from confusion to adaptation, as more companies embrace eco-friendly materials while navigating new regulations across multiple states.Key TakeawaysSustainable packaging must first and foremost be effective in preserving the quality of produce to ensure true sustainability.Regulations, such as those in Oregon, are pushing the packaging industry towards sustainability but require businesses to stay informed and adjust accordingly to remain compliant.The shift to sustainable packaging involves collaboration across the supply chain, from manufacturers to retailers.Industry events play a crucial role in fostering connections and developing solutions in sustainable packaging.Consumer behavior and preferences, such as the desire to visually inspect produce, will continue to influence packaging design choices.Guest ResourcesInnovative Packaging Program Info/Application: https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/fresh-field-catalyst/Cory Connors on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connorsSustainable Packaging Podcast with Cory Connors on Spotify and AppleAtlantic Packaging: https://www.atlanticpkg.comFor listeners eager to dive deeper into sustainable packaging strategies and industry insights, tune into this episode for a comprehensive look into current innovations and future directions in produce packaging. Stay connected with Fresh Takes on Tech for more enlightening discussions on technology’s role in transforming the food and agriculture sectors.Show LinksInternational Fresh Produce Association - https://www.freshproduce.com/Fresh Takes on Tech - https://www.freshproduce.com/resources/technology/takes-on-tech-podcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFreshProduceAssociation/Twitter - https://twitter.com/IntFreshProduce/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-fresh-produce-association/Instagram -

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