Perfect Automation trials sustainable mushroom packaging film

Perfect Automation has launched a series of collaborative trials with Australian mushroom producers to phase out traditional PVC film in favour of a Japanese-manufactured polyolefin alternative.

This initiative, aligned with the APCO targets, signals a step forward in the fresh produce industry’s environmental responsibility.

At the core of the trial were customers using the Omori STN-8500 Tray Stretch Wrapper, which is designed for produce packaging. The transition required only minor machine modifications — carried out under the guidance of Perfect Automation’s technicians — ensuring production continuity while testing the alternative film.

To future-proof operations, line operators and maintenance staff were trained on site, equipping them with the knowledge to manage further adjustments independently.

The polyolefin film was tested across multiple product formats, including 250 and 500 g mushroom cups and sliced mushroom trays, to evaluate performance across variable pack styles and weights. Each batch underwent comprehensive quality testing, including colour monitoring, weight retention and lab-controlled storage simulations to assess freshness across shelf life benchmarks.

In addition, trials compared perforated versus non-perforated films, a crucial test for mushrooms given their sensitivity to gas exchange and moisture levels. Perforated films supported breathability by allowing ethylene and CO₂ to escape, while non-perforated films demonstrated good moisture retention, helping maintain visual and textural quality.

Two storage methods tested

Perfect Automation evaluated film performance under both standard refrigeration and chillvac (ie, vacuum cooling) conditions to mirror real-world supply chain scenarios.

Standard refrigeration (16 days)

Polyolefin-wrapped mushrooms were stored under traditional cold chain conditions. By day 9, minor condensation appeared outside the tray, but there was no condensation inside or on the mushrooms. By day 16, condensation levels remained consistent, and there was only slight discolouration, but firmness preserved, meeting key texture and freshness criteria. The product still met retailer standards for both appearance and freshness, demonstrating the film’s strong baseline performance.

Chillvac cooling

For longer shelf life and interstate distribution, the chillvac process provided rapid cooling through vacuum technology. Over the same 16-day period, mushrooms packaged in polyolefin film showed no condensation, retained firmness, and exhibited minimal to no discolouration — surpassing expectations.

What’s next?

So far, the initial trials have demonstrated that the Asahi polyolefin film can be an effective replacement for PVC film in the produce sector. Importantly, the transition didn’t require extensive machinery upgrades, minimising investment.

With foundational testing complete, the focus now shifts to distribution-level trials, evaluating the film’s performance across the full logistics chain — from farm to retail shelf. While the film has been tested in Japanese conditions, Australia’s diverse climate will provide further insights as the trials expand.

Image credit: iStock.com/FRANCOIS-EDMOND