Mr. Box, Richgrove, Calif., is now the U.S. distributor for SmartPac, whose box liners are marketed to the grape industry to keep fruit fresh during shipping.
The SO2 liners use a chemical reaction between the moisture in the fruit and salts in the liner, according to SmartPac. SmartPac approached Mr. Box last year, according to a news release, and the agreement became official in May, with Mr. Box assuming the role of SmartPac distributor in the U.S.
“We have had some time to learn about each others’ companies, and to develop the best possible strategy to get these ‘smart liners’ in the hands of the grape growers in our area” said Nicolas Vida, of SmartPac. “SmartPac replaces the SO2 device, liner and absorbent pad with just one device.”
SmartPac’s recyclable liners can be customized depending on how long the commodity will be on the road and in the box.
“For the usable duration, we have different options depending on the customer requirements,” Vidal said in the release. “We can help with coverage ranging from 10 days up to 75 days when combined with gasification. But the majority goes from 30 to 60 days.”
So far, the S02 liners in the U.S. are only approved for conventionally grown grapes and no other product. The company is researching using the liners on blueberries, according to the release.
The liners come in two sizes: for a standard grape shipment box and another for pouches and clamshells.
