LifeSpan Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Organic produce

LifeSpan box liners and Pallet Shrouds are an innovation in post-harvest packaging that increase the storage and marketing life of your organic fresh produce. There is no special certification required for use with fresh organic produce under the certification systems used in the states of Washington and California, USA. LifeSpan has been used to pack organic produce in many countries including, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, USA, and Italy..

Food Contact Approvals

All raw materials used in the manufacture of LifeSpan box liners and pallet shrouds are classified as suitable for use in contact with food under Australian Standards, USA Food
and Drug Administration, and European Commission regulations.
LifeSpan products consist of blends of low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide together with a low level of commonly used additives.
In normal storage and in correct use, LifeSpan products will not degrade or chemically react with the environment or the contents of the LifeSpan product. There is an ‘anti-fog’ coating on the inside surface of some products that will disperse small drops of condensed water.
We have discussed our products with the major organic certifiers and government agencies. Here is a summary of their recommendations:

Organic Use Approvals

■ Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)
The WSDA has stated the use of LifeSpan products is part of a ‘practice’ and therefore LifeSpan products (which are not treated) do not require organic certification and
recommendation. The WSDA have no restrictions on the use of LifeSpan products with organic produce. The WSDA can be contacted on: 1 (360) 902 1882

■ California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) The CCOF have stated that they have no special requirements for bulk packaging. LifeSpan products fall into the same category as boxes and plastic lugs. This area is not regulated. Furthermore, the national organic rule does not mention packaging material. Therefore any packer that is certified by the CCOF or its affiliates can use LifeSpan products with confidence. The CCOF can be contacted on: 1 (831) 423 2263 ext 13

■ California Organic Program (COP)
The COP is a government non profit organization. Their opinion is similar to the WSDA and CCOF opinion. Therefore they have no restrictions on the use of LifeSpan products with organic produce. They can be contacted on: 1 (916) 445-2180 ext 3506

Benefits of LifeSpan MAP:

• Allows extended post harvest storage life of perishable products by slowing the ripening and senescing of the produce.
• Can provide some benefit in suppressing the growth of certain fungal rots whilst the produce is packed in LifeSpan.
• Allows harvest of optimum maturity produce
• Eliminates moisture loss and withering of fresh produce.
• Reduces shrinkage and/or wastage in distribution
• Beneficial atmosphere from packing to retail
• Can deliver produce to existing markets in superior condition and with a longer marketing life available.
• Allows storage during seasonal gluts to maximize market prices therefore sales values of produce mantained.
• Gives greater flexibility with distribution - Allows sea & land freight
• Fresh produce can be sourced globally
• Enhances supplier reputation
• Field packing operations are ideally suited to the LifeSpan Pallet Shroud system. Grape liners are also suitable for field packing.

What this means for the packer?

LifeSpan products can be used without restriction as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for fresh organic produce. LifeSpan is used routinely with organic produce. However, LifeSpan recommends you contact your organic certifier before using our products to determine if they require you to list LifeSpan under your certification. Alternatively you can contact a LifeSpan representative.

For more information, or to contact your nearest distributor contact:
Tel + 61 3 9556 7666
Fax; +61 3 9532 5385
lifespan@amcor.com