Fresh Inset Unveils 'Vidre+' Active Packaging Tech to Extend Shelf Life and Combat Food Waste

Polish food-tech innovator Fresh Inset S.A. has released new data regarding its proprietary Vidre+™ Complex technology, positioning it as a scalable solution to upgrade standard packaging into high-margin "active" formats.

The technology addresses a critical supply chain inefficiency: the loss of postharvest quality due to ethylene, a natural hormone that accelerates ripening and spoilage in fresh produce and floral products. By integrating a slow-release mechanism directly into the packaging, Vidre+ aims to extend shelf life significantly—trials have reportedly shown spinach freshness extended by up to 10 days and a measurable reduction in shrinkage for raspberries.

Technology: Democratising 1-MCP

Vidre+™ represents a next-generation application of 1-MCP (1-Methylcyclopropene), a compound that inhibits ethylene reception in plants. Unlike traditional 1-MCP applications, which often require 24-hour treatment in airtight storage rooms or sealed containers, Vidre+™ brings a timed and gradual release mechanism directly into the packaging architecture.

This allows the treatment to occur effectively within standard logistics flows, protecting crops ranging from avocados and grapes to tomatoes and peppers during transport.

Operational Integration

A key selling point for the technology is its compatibility with existing infrastructure. The solution transforms commodity packaging—such as cardboard boxes or clamshells—into functional speciality items without requiring growers or packers to invest in new hardware.

Krzysztof Czaplicki, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Fresh Inset, explained the ease of adoption: "Incorporating Vidre+™ can be easily implemented into storage and logistics. The technology incorporates freshness-enhancing properties directly into packaging materials and works with the majority of traditional formats."

Global Commercialisation Status

Fresh Inset is aggressively scaling the technology's footprint across key agricultural markets:

Europe: Commercialised and available through a strategic partnership with Janssen PMP.
Americas: The technology is registered in Peru and has been introduced to the United States market.
Global Reach: Patented in more than 50 countries, with research conducted across five continents.

Strategic Impact

By enabling longer transport routes and reducing markdowns associated with spoilage, the technology offers a direct profit driver for retailers and growers. Fresh Inset positions Vidre+ not just as a waste reduction tool, but as a mechanism to transform packaging from a passive cost centre into an active value generator for the fresh produce supply chain.