<p>StePac is raising the bar in modified atmosphere packaging with Xtend®, a <B>customized packaging solution</b> for the fresh produce industry. StePac considers real supply chain conditions, produce respiration rates and optimal modified atmosphere conditions in order to design the most suitable packaging for any application.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Xtend packaging boasts up to a <B>100% increase in shelf life versus non-bagged produce</b>, <B>reduced wastage in the supply chain</b> (retailers using Xtend® for green asparagus and bananas have reported waste reductions of as much as 5% and 14%, respectively), <B>savings in transporting produce to market</b> (produce can often be shipped via sea as opposed to air, depending on the supply chain and produce item), and <B>brand enhancement</b> thanks to overall produce quality improvement and aesthetic packaging with high clarity, glossy, nice to touch, and great antifog properties.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“From a functional perspective, by using Xtend retail bags, <B>retailers and consumers benefit</b> from better quality produce, increased shelf life, reduction in waste, and an associated reduction in carbon foot print,” StePac Chief Technology Officer Gary Ward tells AndNowUKnow. “History shows that the good presentation and functionality of the packaging increases sales and reduces waste on the shelf.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The modified atmosphere also helps to <B>maintain produce nutrition</b>. Natural biochemical processes leading to aging of the fruit and vegetables are slowed down and nutrients are maintained longer.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Unlike most if not all other competitors, StePac’s sales force has strong backgrounds in agronomy and postharvest science. The company’s specialists audit customers’ postharvest handling procedures and provide them with valuable advice on how to optimize their procedures and gain maximum performance from the packaging. <b>Xtend® is a product of StePac, part of DS Smith, Plastics Division.</b></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.dssmith.com/plastics/offering/flexible-packaging--dispensing-solutions/stepac-modified-atmosphere-packaging/about-stepac" target="_new"> Xtend® Packaging </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
