ISHS Acta Horticulturae 1015: International CIPA Conference 2012 on Plasticulture for a Green Planet
SYSTEMS APPROACH TO REDUCING WASTE AND CARBON FOOTPRINT IN THE FRESH PRODUCE SUPPLY CHAIN |
| Authors: | N. Nitzan, G. Ward |
| Keywords: | modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), waste reduction, Xtend®, carbon footprint |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2014.1015.14 |
| Abstract:
Excessive quantities of fresh produce are discarded annually due to poor handling and temperature management in the supply chain. The key to sustaining low wastage and high quality is a systems approach that combines different aspects of postharvest handling management and collaboration between different parties in the supply chain. Such an approach includes, but is not limited to modified atmosphere/modified humidity (MA/MH) packaging; sanitation/disinfection processes; pre-cooling procedures and processes; cold chain monitoring and management and shelf life prediction models. This systems approach, when implemented correctly not only reduces fresh produce wastage, enhances quality and consumption, but offers additional benefits. For instance, if the approach facilitates land or sea transport as an alternative to air freight, then not only are logistical costs decreased, but carbon emissions per kilo produce are also significantly reduced. Case studies are given to highlight the impact of such a systems approach on waste reduction and savings in CO2 emissions for several major produce items. | |
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