StePacPPC’s stand-up zipper pouch keeps cucumbers fresh from farm to fridge

StePacPPC has revealed a patent-pending zipper pouch for cucumbers, combining moisture and atmosphere control to keep products fresh and improve shelf appeal.

Conventional laminated stand-up pouches are thought to be less suitable for cucumbers. Their low water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) prevents excess moisture from being released and speeds up microbial decay; when the packs are macro-perforated, they can lead to dehydration and a shortened shelf life – and they don’t prevent condensation entirely.

These issues are especially pronounced when cucumbers are not sufficiently cooled before packing, when the supply chain is unstable, or when the product is displayed at ambient conditions at the retailer before being refrigerated at the consumer’s home.

The Xgo PAZ Pouch aims to overcome these challenges using advanced flexible film technology. Using the Xgo Modified Atmosphere (MAP) films, the solution combines modified atmosphere, modified humidity, and condensation control into one pack.

It is believed to preserve the quality of a cool vegetable for up to 16 days – maintaining its texture, flavour, and colour from harvest through retail display and home refrigeration.

“With traditional laminated pouches, achieving modified atmosphere for shelf-life extension comes at the expense of optimal moisture control,” explains Gary Ward, Ph.D., CTO for StePacPPC. “Conversely, if you want optimal moisture control, you need to macro-perforate, which is at the expense of modified atmosphere and increases the risk of dehydration. This is the balance fresh produce packagers struggle to reach.

“Xgo PAZ pouch’s three-in-one design successfully overcomes this limitation and offers a comprehensive solution that effectively maintains appearance and quality of the produce, extends the marketability window, and ultimately reduces food waste and costs.”

Additionally, the compact packaging is designed to serve as a convenient format for on-the-go snacking.

The Xgo PAZ Pouch is already in use in North America. Wholesum Family Farms, Inc. is currently using an 8 oz. portable Xgo pouch for its Lil’ Ones Organic Baby Cucumbers snack packs.

Before commercial expansion, a 16-day shelf-life test conducted by the company under simulated supply chain conditions revealed a 29 percentage-point advantage in overall quality for organic baby cucumbers compared with a top-seal alternative, and a 10 percentage-point advantage compared with traditional macro-perforated packaging.

This included reduced moisture, decay and mould, as well as better product visibility, appearance, and overall quality.

“At Wholesum, we're always looking for ways to remove barriers between consumers and fresh, healthy produce,” says Joanna Jaramillo, marketing manager for Wholesum. “Excess moisture may seem like a small challenge, but it can have a significant impact on how consumers perceive freshness.

“Through our partnership with StePacPPC, we've been able to bring a solution that helps cucumbers maintain the clean, fresh appearance shoppers expect, creating a better experience and bringing more joy to healthy snacking.”

Other applications include exotic fruits such as lychee, pitaya, rambutan, and longan, with Freshway Produce, Inc. using the new Xgo pouch to replace traditional clamshells. These are packed at the source in the final retail format to avoid the high cost of repacking when the products are shipped to the United States.

“We offer Xgo PAZ pouches with variable WVTR films that can provide precisely the required level of moisture control and modified atmosphere properties for specific produce items,” adds Gary Ward. “This makes the packaging adaptable for a range of fresh fruits and vegetables. We tweak the film in accordance with the unique preservation requirements of the produce being packed and the prevailing supply chain conditions.”

The Xgo stand-up pouches are available in various sizes, come with a resealable closure, and stand upright on supermarket shelves for clear visibility.

StePacPPC will showcase the product at IFPA in Orlando, Florida, USA (Booth #2933) on 15-16 October 2026.

Previously, StePacPPC worked alongside Windham Packaging to develop a range of bulk modified atmosphere packaging for fresh produce heading to foodservice outlets. This was expected to reduce waste and improve operational efficiency.

In other news, Esseoquattro’s Ideabrill line of freshness-saving packaging is designed to slow food spoilage, reduce food waste, and separate easily for recycling. Available in six types, the bags consist of long-fibre virgin paper backing with an aluminium film – a combination set to protect food from UV rays and humidity.

Thermapet’s patented process that delivers fully recyclable containers with temperature stability from -40°C to 220°C has also been nominated for a Sustainability Award under the Startup New Materials category.