Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/212883
7 Newsline 6 continued from page 5 EPS packaging is the gold standard for pharmaceutical and life science products; it maintains product safety, security and temperature throughout the cold chain. For pharmaceutical leaders such as Merck, Wyeth and Abbott patient safety is paramount which is why they rely on EPS packaging to deliver life saving medicine and vaccines around the world. Fresh Food Distribution Food waste is often considered environmentally benign because it is 'biodegradable' but consider this: globally, about a third of the food produced for human consumption goes to waste — which means that a third of the water, land use, energy and financial resources that went into producing it are also squandered. For perspective, over 100 billion pounds of food, or more than a quarter of the 400 billion pounds of edible food, is spoiled each year during transport. When it comes to protecting food, the right package can dramatically reduce waste and have a major positive impact on the environment. EPS packaging keeps produce fresh for extended periods and eliminates doubts over the uncompromised quality and safety of the food products. A study by the Korea Food Research Institute shows that EPS packaging is the most efficient material for storing fruit and vegetables. Results show fruits (and vegetables) packaged in EPS retain their vitamin C content longer than food packaged in other materials. EPS provides improved cold chain maintenance, lower microbiological growth and improved physical appearance of perishable foods. Percentage of Remaining Vitamin C After One Week of Storage 100% 90% 80% 92.42% 85.28% 80.71% 70% 68.87% 60% 50% 40% 30% 85.87% 54.72% 44.52% 41.30% 20% When the lobster industry in Portland, Maine was challenged with a potential ban on foam containers, representatives turned out in force at City Council Hearing to expound on the benefits of EPS and state, "There is no substitute for fresh lobster distribution – the industry can't use anything else." In addition to local seafood markets, the Maine lobster industry provides the global market with more than 90 million pounds of fresh catch per year. Fresh lobsters are unloaded from the boat into EPS containers specifically designed for live lobster distribution and immediately shipped via air to destinations around the world. Once packed, the interior of the box stays cool for about 36 hours. EPS prevents crushing during shipment and provides essential quality control for the multi-million dollar lobster industry which prides itself on delivering quality and freshness. 10% 0% ZUCCHINI CUCUMBERS TOMATOES GRAPES STORED IN CORRUGATED CARDBOARD PACKAGING STORED IN EPS PACKAGING Fresh Seafood Distribution The delicate nature of seafood presents a cold chain scenario that challenges any packaging solution to its core. Fresh, chilled, frozen and processed fishery products are a global cold chain that crosses nearly every ocean and touches almost every principal land mass. Spoilage cannot be stopped in fresh fish but it can be controlled to a great extent. Maintaining fish at the core temperature from catch until delivery ensures optimum safety, freshness and quality and reduces post-harvest losses. Fish starts to spoil from the time it is caught and this spoilage continues throughout its shelf-life. The main reasons for fish spoilage are enzyme activity and bacterial growth. In addition,