How can the shelf life of fruit and vegetables be extended while simultaneously reducing plastic consumption?
AgroSustain, an agritech company focused on developing sustainable solutions for pre- and postharvest, and MULTIVAC, a manufacturer of innovative labelling systems, answer this question with a joint approach that combines natural freshness preservation with sustainable packaging technologies.
Natural Freshness Preservation Meets Sustainable Packaging
AgroSustain is a Swiss-based company that has developed and commercialised Afondo™, a patented, edible coating designed to preserve the quality of fresh produce after harvest. Afondo is applied directly after harvest on existing packaging lines using standard spraying and buffing technologies, and adheres naturally to the fruit’s own wax layer, forming an invisible, breathable protective barrier on the surface. By creating this thin sealing layer, Afondo helps slow down respiration and moisture loss without blocking natural physiological processes such as ripening.
The core benefits of Afondo include:
- replacement of conventional waxes and coatings;
- extension of shelf life in cold storage by up to three weeks;
- extension of shelf life at retail by three to five days, depending on crop type;
- preservation of natural ripening without altering taste, appearance, or texture.
Complementing this, MULTIVAC presents two intelligent solutions for resource-efficient and attractive packaging, in which trays are closed and labelled at the same time: TopCLOSE™ and TopWRAP™.
The TopCLOSE™ process combines cardboard trays with a cellulose-based self-adhesive label that securely closed the tray from above along the rim, reliably protecting the contents from removal or falling out. This results in a completely plastic-free packaging solution. Processing is carried out on the L 330 conveyor belt labeller, with a capacity of up to 250 packs per minute. This solution is particularly ideal for packaging delicate berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or gooseberries.
TopWRAP™ is an equally sustainable and flexible solution in which the label wraps over the top and along two sides of the tray – enabling even rimless trays to be closed securely. Cardboard or corrugated board trays form the basis; combined with a label made of paper or cellulose, the result is fully plastic-free packaging. The process is implemented on the L 310 conveyor belt labeller with a capacity of up to 150 packs per minute – perfect for products such as tomatoes, apples, potatoes, mushrooms, and strawberries.
Whether TopCLOSE™ or TopWRAP™, both solutions demonstrate how modern labelling technology can actively contribute to greater sustainability: less plastic, high functionality, and strong brand presence. And all of this without a complex packaging machine.
The collaboration between AgroSustain and MULTIVAC addresses two of the most pressing challenges facing today’s fresh produce supply chains: food waste and the reduction of plastic packaging. By combining edible coating technology with advanced packaging solutions, this partnership demonstrates that viable alternatives already exist to preserve product quality while reducing environmental impact. It highlights how innovation, cross-industry collaboration, and an open-minded approach can lead to practical, scalable solutions. AgroSustain and MULTIVAC invite other stakeholders across the value chain to engage in this transition and explore how novel technologies can jointly shape a more sustainable future for fresh food systems.
