The PACK2LIFE project, led by ITJ – Internacional Moldes, Lda, and in collaboration with RTJ Plásticos, Cerfundão, Quinta dos Lamaçais, Universidade do Minho, Universidade da Beira Interior, Laboratório de Inovação e Tecnologias para a Sustentabilidade, CATAA and CENTIMFE, aims to create packaging that extends the shelf life of products and guarantees food safety. It arises from the need to tackle the perishability of prune fruit, such as cherries and peaches, and to guarantee traceability throughout the cold chain.
After harvesting, the fruit undergoes respiration and ethylene formation, leading to rapid ripening and reduced quality. The new packaging developed includes phase change material (PCM) inside the reusable core, reducing temperature fluctuations and delaying ripening. It also has a continuous monitoring system adaptable to different storage and transportation conditions, promoting sustainable trade in high-quality fruit.