In time of Coronavirus, for FIT Srl it is worth mentioning the effectiveness of its process solution that uses microwaves for the microbial stabilization of fruit and vegetables, in order to extend the shelf life, as well as to improve hygiene and food safety.
Example of packed peaches in a basket
As the company managers reported, "the packaging provided under the FIT protocols allows the fresh fruit to be stored for a long time, as the product is isolated from possible external bacterial contamination which accelerates its deterioration. It also fully conforms to the requirement, especially in the current situation, to avoid as much as possible exposure to pathogens and handling throughout the supply chain. At the same time, it helps to improve harvesting and marketing management by almost completely eliminating post-packaging waste."
Grapes packaged in cardboard 30x40
What is mentioned above applies both to small formats in different weights (125-250-500-1000 gr.) and to various formats (2-5-7-10 kg) used not only for the large-scale distribution but also for the wholesale markets. As we know, not all of these channels have large storage capacities in cold stores (at least in retail outlets for large-scale distribution) and are therefore forced to sort orders in such a way as to avoid waste.
The 42-day inspection of cherries at various stages of ripeness that are shown in the video Fra.Va. (reported below)
Managing orders during this particular period inevitably means dealing with the major problems that the transport and logistics system are facing.
The following video, recorded at the company Fra.Va. (one of the first users in Apulia), shows the different packaging of cherries on which the application protocol has been perfectly defined, as well as for strawberries and grapes.
"As many operators may know, the tunnel plant solution was developed to treat every single package (including the wooden box), which is a valid alternative to the cabin for the batch treatment of pallets" - added FIT. "The investment required for the purchase of the tunnel is much lower than the cabin and it is also a time saver compared to the time needed for the treatment (4-6 min. in the cabin), not to mention the time needed for loading and unloading the pallets. The duration of the tunnel treatment adapts to the speed of the packaging machine."
The latest FIT2 plant model equipped with two pallets ready to be treated
FIT specifies that trays and baskets made from materials other than plastic (e.g. cardboard, others) are also compatible with the use of MW, provided that the fruit closure and insulation system is either flowpacked or heat-sealed, at least for now. As a matter of fact, we are studying a bag for the packaging of many fruit directly on site (e.g. grapes, cherries, strawberries, apricots, peaches, etc.) that is compatible with the application and effectiveness of the MW process of FIT Srl.
For some years now, FIT has been distributing in Italy the automation solutions of the Danish company www.egatec-packaging.com.
Of great interest are the product positioners in boxes, cardboard, etc., which carry out the work that is normally performed on rotating tables by different employees. At this link you can see, for each model, the presentation videos.
Mod. PDS 90 for open packaging (ifco, steco, europool, etc.) and cartons with flaps.
The advantage of Egatec positioners is, not only the speed of execution, but also their small size (as you can see in the picture, they stand on a euro pallet) and therefore the ease in moving them. Another peculiarity is the versatility and usability for all packaging formats (30x40, 30x50, 40x60) and for all single or double layer packages (trays, trays, open and lidded baskets, clamshells, bags and nets).
For more information:
Food & Innovative Technologies Srl
70044 - Polignano a Mare (BA)
Nicola Gallone
Phone.: (+39) 345.6882071
Email: nicolagallone27@gmail.com
Website: www.fit-srl.it