Flexfresh, the special patented film that Uflex
Limited has developed comprising a proprietary polymeric formula elongating the
shelf life of flowers is serving to be a boon for Flower Companies across the
globe.
Flexfresh works on the principle of Active Modified
Atmospheric Packaging (AMAP) and happens to be the first ever film for packing
fresh produce that is bio-degradable by composting and complies with all
international regulations for overall migration (EC 1935/2004), reach
compliance (EC 1907/2006) and qualifies for biodegradation under DIN EN 13432
(2000-12). The packaging can be industrially composted within 180 days.
Flexfresh works in conjunction with Fast
Respiration Meter and Laser Perforation system supplied by Perfotec B.V. of The
Netherlands. While the respiration meter ascertains the respiration rate of the
flowers, the laser system uses this information to adapt the permeability of
the polymeric film with the help of perforation matrix. Waterless Internet Flower Packaging is becoming
increasingly popular among global flower companies for the myriad benefits that
it brings to the table.
Explaining the benefits and sustainability aspects
of the award winning Waterless Internet Flower Packaging, Mr. Siva Shankaran
Vice President, Flexfresh at Uflex Limited says, “The special proprietary
polymeric substrate is the first biodegradable (by composting) film that
maintains the hydration of flowers during transpiration (evaporation causing
loss of moisture during respiration) thus creating a closed loop system.
Flowers are put to slow respiration mode by reducing the oxygen availability
preventing excess oxidation and dehydration. The film keeps the flowers
breathing in hydrated oxygen and releases excess humidity keeping them touch
dry. The flowers thus can go without water for a significant number of days as
the humidity is fed back in to them as they continue to breathe in the modified
atmosphere.
This solution enables to hold flowers intact at the
destination anywhere between 10-15 days as per the supply chain requirements
against the normal shelf-life of 4-5 days offered by conventional packaging.
This in turn enables florists and retailers to plan and store large inventory
for festive rush. This development is a major shot in the arm for E-commerce
companies and Retailers bringing enormous savings.
We are visualizing an instore display without water
and web shops that can offer preformed flower bouquets by post parcel without
having to worry about poor quality on arrival. This packaging solution
completely alleviates the use of millions of gallons of water from the flower
supply chain currently used thereby making it one of the most sustainable
packaging solutions. Solutions entailing e-commerce packaging are proving to be
as challenging today as were our first efforts around defining the sustainable
packaging at the turn of this century. Just as we learned then that there is no
such thing as ‘the most sustainable package’, we are learning today that there
are many areas of focus that can lead to a more efficient, cost-effective and
environmentally responsible e-commerce packaging solutions perfectly echoing
the ethos of a brand that consumers rightly expect. While designing Waterless
Internet Flower Packaging this was the axiom that we adhered to.
Internationally, all flowers are transported using
expensive Air Freight from Growing Region to the Markets. The typical supply
chain is Grower, Auction House, Wholesaler, Retailer/ Florist and finally the
Consumer, which is now possible through offering E-Commerce platform to connect
the Growers/ Brand Owners directly to the Consumers. It is now possible to ship
flowers through post parcel as the package does not have any water, eliminating
the possibility of cross contamination with other courier goods.”
Mr. Siva Shankaran further adds, “One of the
significant savings that accrues is the fact that nearly 2.7 times more
material can be carried per truck, since water is completely eliminated if the
transportation is done from Grower to the Retailer using Sea Freight. Similar
savings are also possible while transportation is done from Auction house to
Retailers. To address the market requirements, Uflex and Perfotec offer
solutions both for E-Commerce/ Retail Packaging (through flow wrap packing) and
Bulk liners for sea freighting of flowers from grower to the market.
Since the freshness of the Fresh Cut Flower is
indicated by its water content, with least weight loss and lower oxidation, the
flowers look much fresher and more appealing to the consumers. The overall
consumer complaints have actually reduced by 90% regarding freshness of the
flowers.
These benefits accrue to the consumers in terms of
costs with freshest flowers having longer vase life enhancing the overall value
proposition. This is where Flexfresh does the trick.
Further, the liner bags made of translucent film of
special patented polymeric composition allow visibility to the brands of the
florists.
Particularly noteworthy is the fact that it is also
possible to bring flowers straight from Harvest to market by economic Sea
freight. This results in significant carbon footprint reduction and also
enables longer storage between 30-40 days from the time of harvest.”; expounds
Mr. Siva Shankaran.
Trial of Waterless Internet Flower Packaging
Recently the E-commerce wing of a renowned Flower
Group in The Netherlands conducted a trial for Waterless Internet Flower
Packaging. Sharing more details about the trial, Mr. Bas Groeneweg, Director,
Perfotec B.V. says, “In order to establish an independent review of what AMAP
technology and Flexfresh can offer - a joint trial was carried out between our
client, Perfotec and Flexfresh. We appointed an independent third party, Flower
Watch (www.flowerwatch.com) for conducting this trial. Flower Watch enjoys
worldwide recognition as a leading expert in monitoring and securing the
quality and vase life of fresh cut flowers.
Flower Watch carried out the complete evaluation of
the flowers with two different set-ups. One where we maintained the flowers in
cold storage for seven days at 5 degrees Celsius and thereafter in water bucket
at 5 degrees Celsius for two days and the Second setup entailed maintaining the
flowers in cold storage for fourteen days at 5 degrees Celsius and in water
bucket for two days at 5 degrees Celsius. This was done in order to establish
the comparison between the different conditions in which the flowers are
usually received at destination. Pink O’ Hara Rose variety was particularly
chosen because of the complexities like higher respiration and wilting rates
that are associated with its supply chain.
Three samples of flowers were compared i.e. (a)
packed in Flexfresh, (b) packed in Nappy Sack and (c) unpacked.
It was found that Flexfresh offered a guaranteed
seven day vase life in both the cases i.e. after seven and fourteen days of
cold storage. Whereas unpacked flowers and the ones in Nappy Sack stared
wilting from the second day itself. The roses packed in Flexfresh stood fresh
even on the seventh day.”
Expressing delight over the trials, Mr. Ashok
Chaturvedi, Chairman & Managing Director, Uflex Limited said, “We are
delighted with the independent validation of Flexfresh and Active Modified
Atmospheric Packaging (AMAP) technology for extending the shelf life of
flowers. This allows us to serve our clients better; reduces wastage and helps
them passing on the benefits further to their customers. We are happy to
associate with Perfotec B.V.”
To sum up, Mr. Siva Shankaran said, “Besides,
flowers, Flexfresh as a packaging solution is getting increasingly popular
globally for extending the shelf-life of various fruits and vegetables. This
packaging is much sought after by the exporters from across the world for
exporting their fresh produce by economic sea freight instead of exorbitant air
dispatch. Plethora of sustainability benefits that come along with Flexfresh
further makes the proposition eco-friendly and popular in the day and age we
live.”
