Aptar launches InvisiShield active packaging solution
Aptar Food and Beverage has unveiled anti-pathogenic packaging to protect fresh cut produce.
The business division said the first of its kind anti-pathogenic packaging, InvisiShield, can be integrated into sealed packages to protect fresh cut produce from bacteria, fungi and viruses.
InvisiShield uses 3-Phase Activ-Polymer technology, patented by Aptar CSP Technologies, a division of AptarGroup. The 3-Phase Activ-Polymer technology is currently being used by leading global brands to extend shelf life, maintain freshness, and improve efficacy in food safety.
InvisiShield is activated within sealed packages to safely and release a specially formulated amount of an anti-pathogenic agent into the fresh cut produce’s packaging environment that is undetectable to the consumer and dissipates from the package within 24-48 hours of activation.
This mechanism significantly reduces pathogens that may have been introduced during the supply chain without coming into contact with the product itself. The result is a final intervention step that also reduces cross-contamination within the sealed package.
Third-party validated studies demonstrated InvisiShield technology to be up to 99.9% effective against the most common food-borne pathogens: Pathogenic E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Human norovirus, Hepatitis A, Shigella, Campylobacter jejuni, Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia enterocolitica, Vibrio vulnificus, Geotrichum candidum, Feline calcivirus and Rotavirus.
In a triangle sensory test conducted at Emory Hospital System, professional chefs evaluated the product and were statistically unable to identify a difference in the colour, aroma, flavour or texture of tomatoes packaged in a standard method versus those packaged with InvisiShield technology.
InvisiShield™ technology is available in different packaging configurations.
A pilot program is currently underway with Royal Fresh Cuts, which plans to launch its first commercial use of the technology in the second quarter of 2020. Aptar’s Food Protection division is also working closely with Lipman Family Farms and McEntire Produce.
The company is currently focused on launching InvisiShield technology for use on tomatoes, onions, peppers, pico de gallo and sliced apples. In addition to these widely-consumed fresh cut items, the company is further developing the technology to release different anti-pathogenic agents to improve the safety of leafy greens and berries.
“I am very excited about the potential this technology has to change the way the food industry thinks about food safety,” said Angela Morgan, Ph.D., Director of Business Development and Food Safety Solutions for Aptar Food + Beverage – Food Protection. “We are taking a small, but game changing step in reshaping the food safety paradigm.”