Technology and Sustainability in the New Era of Packaging

In an increasingly demanding global market, maintaining the freshness and quality of fruits and vegetables is a real challenge. This is where innovation in packaging takes on a key role. Recently, TopControl presented at Fruit Attraction its latest solutions designed to enhance efficiency and control in packaging lines.

Key innovations include:

1. 100% Weight Control for Berries:A compact, reliable, and easily integrable solution designed to ensure that every small berry package meets the exact target weight.

2. “FoodProcess” Platform:This software connects the packaging area with the central office, allowing real-time supervision of machinery, collection of production and quality data, and continuous improvement support.

3. Customized Smart Lines:For products such as table grapes, vine tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms, TopControl offers solutions that combine speed, precision, and gentle product handling.

Packaging Technology for Berries

Together, these innovations provide greater visibility across the packaging chain and streamline data-driven decision-making.

Why do these innovations matter?

1. Greater control and reduced losses100% weight control eliminates errors and inconsistencies, helping prevent batch rejections and product waste.

2. Process digitalizationWith platforms like foodProcess, operations are no longer “black boxes.” Data collection and analysis allow bottleneck identification, performance optimization, and long-term quality assurance.

3. Responding to market demandsToday’s buyers demand traceability, transparency, and freshness. Smart packaging or software-controlled lines enhance consumer confidence and add value to the final product.

4. Adaptability across fruits and vegetablesA single technological base can be adjusted for different products (berries, tomatoes, peppers, etc.), making technological investment more efficient.

Challenges and considerations

Despite the promising outlook, the road is not without obstacles:

• Implementation costs: Adapting old lines or investing in automation may require substantial capital.

• Interoperability: Integration between physical equipment and software systems from different brands must be seamless.

• Staff training: Operating these technologies requires ongoing training in both machinery and data analysis.

• Expected returns: To justify investment, the savings from reduced losses and improved efficiency must be significant.

  
  

Emerging trends and what’s next

Beyond TopControl’s recent developments, the agri-food packaging sector is moving toward:

• Active and smart packaging: Materials that regulate the internal atmosphere (ethylene, humidity, gases) or communicate freshness status via sensors.

• IoT-integrated systems: QR labels, embedded sensors, and end-to-end supply chain tracking.

• Sustainability: Use of recyclable, compostable, or low-footprint materials.

• Modular automation: Equipment that adapts as products change—without the need for complete redevelopment.

  
  

These trends reinforce the idea that packaging is not just a “container,” but an active player in preservation, monitoring, and product profitability.

Innovation in packaging is transforming the agri-food industry. What was once seen as a simple “wrapper” is now becoming a technological platform capable of monitoring, protecting, and optimizing the freshness of fruits and vegetables.

At Gurpa Bio, we believe that packaging innovation not only preserves food freshness but also enhances efficiency throughout the entire food supply chain.

Every development we create combines technology, expertise, and a commitment to sustainability—because to us, good packaging doesn’t just protect: it optimizes processes, reduces waste, and ensures product quality until it reaches its final destination.

We continue to drive smart solutions that help our clients keep their products fresher for longer—while caring for the planet at the same time.

Source: FreshPlaza. “Innovations to Increase Freshness and Packaging Efficiency.” October 2025.