'Lidl' Has Adopted an Organic Alternative to Plastic Fruit Wrapping
Colin Smith — January 13, 2022 — Eco
References: empa.ch & fastcompany
'Lidl,' the German international supermarket, is continuing its trend of adopting sustainable packaging with the organic fruit preserver that it is now embracing. In the last quarter of 2021, Lidl began using a cardboard substitute made out of organic plant fibers. Now, Lidl has collaborated with the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) in implementing a new all-natural fruit preserver.
Typically, grocery stores have two options for stocking fruits and vegetables. Either they leave the products open to the air of the store, or they seal them in plastic packaging to prevent a variety of germ-based issues. However, when sealing a fruit or vegetable in plastic, the item will dry out quicker and will deteriorate. This new solution from Empa uses 'pomace,' which is a substance extracted from leftover fruits that are blended for juice, to create a thin layer of protection around food that is safe to eat and ensures moisture is kept inside the product for longer.
This new pomace-based organic fruit preserver has been shown by Empas scientists to make bananas last more than one week longer than normal at no cost to health or quality.
Image Credit: Shutterstock
Typically, grocery stores have two options for stocking fruits and vegetables. Either they leave the products open to the air of the store, or they seal them in plastic packaging to prevent a variety of germ-based issues. However, when sealing a fruit or vegetable in plastic, the item will dry out quicker and will deteriorate. This new solution from Empa uses 'pomace,' which is a substance extracted from leftover fruits that are blended for juice, to create a thin layer of protection around food that is safe to eat and ensures moisture is kept inside the product for longer.
This new pomace-based organic fruit preserver has been shown by Empas scientists to make bananas last more than one week longer than normal at no cost to health or quality.
Image Credit: Shutterstock
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Packaging - Exploring alternative packaging materials and methods that reduce environmental impact, such as organic plant fibers and pomace-based solutions.
2. Food Preservation Innovation - Developing new technologies and methods, like pomace-based fruit preservers, that extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables while maintaining food safety and quality.
3. Circular Economy Solutions - Establishing closed-loop systems that repurpose food waste into valuable resources, like utilizing pomace for fruit protection instead of abandoning it as waste.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Grocery stores and supermarkets can implement sustainable packaging solutions and food preservation innovations to reduce waste and spoilage and improve customer experience.
2. Food and Beverage - Companies in the food and beverage industry can explore innovative preservation technologies to extend the shelf life of their products, reduce waste, and meet consumer demand for sustainable packaging.
3. Waste Management - Waste management companies can partner with food and beverage industry players, like supermarkets and packaging manufacturers, to establish circular economy systems that prevent food waste and repurpose it for other uses.
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