Amerplast and PerfoTec have announced the companies will cooperate to bring leading packaging products to the fresh produce market.

Amerplast is to offer the European fresh produce industry a world leading technology that extends the shelf-life of fresh produce, reducing waste and cost, following the signing of a cooperation agreement with PerfoTec.

Based in the Netherlands, PerfoTec supplies specialised equipment that measures the respiration rates of fresh produce like fresh-cut salads, fruits and vegetables.

PerfoTec’s unique software calculates the required film permeability for allowing optimal respiration of the produce for achieving longer lifecycle once it is packaged.

PerfoTec’s patented Laser Perforation System then uses this information to adapt the film permeability through precise micro-perforation. An integrated camera inspects each micro-perforation diameter and shape.

By measuring the respiration of fresh fruit and vegetables and adjusting the packaging with the exact amount of micro-perforations, PerfoTec managed to reduce waste at UK retailer Marks & Spencer by 50%. On top of the important reduction in waste, it also lead to a reduction in cost and an increase in sales. Based on these results M&S decided to switch to the PerfoTec system together with all its soft fruit suppliers.

Amerplast will market PerfoTec’s unique technology and equipment as an integrated system along with its high-performing flexible packaging film. With a heritage in high-performance fresh produce packaging, Amerplast offers a high-level of expertise in the sector.

Amerplast CEO Borge Kvamme said: "The alliance with PerfoTec is another step in developing Amerplast into a leading pan-European packaging company, in tune with consumer and market trends.

"Fresh food products are a key to our strategy as we can leverage superior packaging systems, film quality and seal integrity, advanced co-extrusion processes and superior printing and converting capabilities.

”The unique PerfoTec respiration and micro-perforation technology will allow us to expand our current product offering and to provide our customers with a sustainable innovative alternative to their current packaging systems for fresh produce".

PerfoTec CEO Bas Groeneweg said: "The partnership with Amerplast is a great opportunity for us to join forces with a high-performing packaging company dedicated to providing innovative solutions that enhance quality and convenience of high-value food products.

"This new alliance will allow Amerplast to expand their current film offering and provide support to customers through delivery of the respiration meters and laser perforation units and software, and have responsibility for film supply and ongoing product support."

PerfoTec CEO Bas Groeneweg and Amerplast CEO Borge Kvamme, together with their sales and technical representatives, will present the new partnership at this year’s Fruit Logistica show at Messe Berlin in Germany, from 4-6 February. The fresh produce industry trade show is expected to be attended by 62,000 of the world’s leading produce representatives.