StePac’s Xgo tech extends shelf life with pouch bags

StePac Ltd., Tefen, Israel, is seeing interest for its standing pouches for retail display grow.

Pouch bags have maintained a strong retail presence for convenience and allowing high graphics while displaying the product.

StePac’s resealable pouch bags have another feature: they are made with the company’s proprietary Xgo advanced modified atmosphere/modified humidity technology, designed to significantly increase the shelf life of produce, according to a news release.

The Xgo standing pouches lower oxygen and increase carbon dioxide, creating optimal conditions to slow respiration and inhibit the growth of mold and other microorganisms, according to the release. They also limit dehydration and product weight loss during storage, shipment and home use, and feature condensation control to ensure visibility of the product.

Divine Flavor LLC, San Diego, Calif., has been using the standing pouches for about two years. The company reports they actively slow the aging and ripening process, while offering an attractive grab-and-go convenience.

Michael DuPuis, quality assurance and public relations coordinator for Divine Flavors, said the Xgo pouches have an unrivaled ability to maintain freshness and extend shelf life. 

“The feedback from our customers has been excellent; they’re really happy with the quality and attractive appearance and the fact that it has that sustainability edge consumers are seeking,” DuPuis said in the release.

Divine Flavor, a part of Grupo Alta, has been using StePac’s Xtend bulk packaging since 2010, transporting squash, cucumbers and bell peppers from Mexico to the U.S. It switched to Xgo standing pouches to differentiate the brand at retail.

Divine Flavor in 2020 began packing all Persian cucumbers for the U.S. market into the pouches in the field.

The pouches also come in a fully recyclable format, according to the release.

StePac has traditionally focused on wholesale products, for bulk products facing long haul shipments and storage, Gary Ward, business development manager.

“It already demonstrated abilities to extend shelf life by 50-100%, bringing promising support to food-waste reduction,” Ward said in the release. “In the midst of current Covid19 climate, concerns for food safety are driving demand for more retail packaging.

“We have purpose designed our packaging to preserve quality and reduce waste in the most sustainable way possible.
 he said in the release. “We are increasingly venturing into the retail sector to bring this sustainable resource saving solution into consumers’ homes.”