Pallets, pineapple peeling, new zucchini, versatile tray sealer, and potatoes protection

Follow five of the novelties related to postharvest included in Fruit Logistica 2020 Spotlight:Flexible plastic pallets for secure transportPlasgad is introducing a new generation of pallets with its RS series. While their products were formerly categorised into light pallets for lorry transportation and moderately heavy pallets with integrated skids for heavy loads, this innovation from the Kibbutz Gadot in Israel combines these features in one product. The RS series of pallets can be equipped with various skids, making them customisable for the user's needs. They save space during storage and transport. The pallets facilitate entry with a four-way forklift and have a smooth underside suitable for usage with automatic conveyors. They comply with the general hygiene requirements and are made from recycled or new plastic. This means they can be recycled at the end of their work cycle, which protects the environment and saves on costs.Plasgad Quickly peeled pineapplePineapples are tasty and healthy, but are difficult to peel and core. Help has arrived in the form of the semiautomatic peeler and corer for pineapple cylinders from Italian company PND. The work is performed in three steps: after the user has placed the fruit inside the machine, it is first cored, then turned upside-down, and then peeled. The same machine can then cut the pineapple into pieces if the user wishes, such as in rings or chunks. The machine consists of stainless steel components that are easy to clean and maintain. All components can be replaced quickly and easily. The parts that come into contact with the fruit are made from food-safe materials. The machine is equipped with a conveyor belt, which means it can be integrated into processing lines as well.PNDsrl Hearty zucchiniItalian company Progene Seed is marketing a new, light green zucchini under the name of Karma F1. It is very sturdy during transport and use, meaning it requires fewer packaging materials for storage than other varieties do. With its shiny, robust skin, it is not sensitive to post-harvest processing. Consumers are attracted to its cylindrical, homogenous shape at the produce stand. During cultivation the plant is easy to work with due to its short internodes and dark green leaves. It can withstand high temperatures, making it suitabl for planting in southern regions. It can be planted in the field and greenhouse during the summer, or in a tunnel greenhouse in the spring and summer.Progene Seed Quickly packagedAccording to Proseal, its GT4s is the fastest tray sealer of its size. The British company developed the high-speed machine to seal covers on premade trays. It can be used for all shapes, sizes and materials. Thanks to its high-end construction, the machine is very efficient and reliably supplements every production line. The GT4s from Proseal is designed to process 160 packaging units per minute. This speed comes with enormous flexibility, so that various tray types can be sealed with equal efficiency and precision. The entire product change process is complete in less than five minutes thanks to the easy tool design and quick single-button operation. This makes it easier to adapt to new packaging trends.Proseal Bacterial protection for potatoesBecause of the EU's ban on chlorpropham (CIPC) as a germination inhibitor for potatoes, producers have to seek out alternatives. Restrain, a company that is already operating in 36 countries, offers one sustainable option: ethylene generators. They have been used to store potatoes for over 14 years, and are equipped with unique sensors that ensure stable, low ethylene content. The generators have a holding capacity of 20 litres, meaning they do not have to be filled every day unlike other catalytic converters. Restrain improved the sensor technology for the new generator models B100 and B200. The generators require very little maintenance. They leave the factory completely calibrated and are thus ready for use right away.Restrain Pictures1 - The plastic pallets in the RS series from Plasgad are a flexible solution for the logistics industry2 - Quickly peeled pineapple3 - The new zucchini variety Karma F1 is particularly heat-resistant4 - The tray sealer GT4s seals all sorts of packaging at high speeds4 - The ethylene generators from Restrain offer long-term bacterial protection for potatoes.