Title: Innovative and sustainable solutions to reduce postharvest losses

Authors: María Isabel Gil

Addresses: Microbiology and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, CEBAS-CSIC, Ed. 25, Campus Universitario, Espinardo, Murcia 30100, Spain

Abstract: Postharvest research must enable us to translate fundamental knowledge into innovative and sustainable solutions to reduce postharvest losses. These include genetic improvements by selecting cultivars with good flavour and texture and long postharvest life, sensor improvements to monitor and control the ripeness and the optimal maturity for harvest, and improvements in quality control and storage conditions. New packaging technologies using biodegradable and recycled materials are promising solutions for helping with environmental sustainability. However, they should also be adequate for fresh produce quality maintenance. The innovative actions should combine appropriate optimal temperature and relative humidity during storage, transport, and distribution to create the desired conditions around the commodity for freshness preservation. To achieve these goals, collaborative actions that integrate all the aspects related to postharvest losses are needed starting from the agricultural production activities to processing, marketing, distribution, and even consumers.

Keywords: fruit and vegetables; packaging; compostable materials; supply chain; consumer trends.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2022.121878

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2022 Vol.8 No.2/3, pp.173 - 183

Received: 04 May 2020
Accepted: 13 May 2021
Published online: 07 Apr 2022 *

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