Imagine if we could store our food for almost twice as long as the standard time before it expires.
US household products manufacturer, Rubbermaid, has unveiled a breakthrough product in the line of food storage, which the company claims will keep produce fresher up to 80% longer than traditional produce packaging.
The FreshWorks Produce Saver is an innovative food storage container which features patented technology to keep produce fresher for significantly longer than other packaging.
The FreshWorks features a system it calls, ‘FreshVent’ technology, which regulates the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide, while the ‘CrispTray’ helps reduce moisture and spoilage.
According to Rubbermaid, the Fresh Vent Lid contains a membrane that naturally regulates the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide to create the optimal environment so produce stays nearly as fresh as the day it was picked.
Food storage challenge
Rubbermaid is encouraging US consumers to test the benefits of the FreshWorks Produce Saver as they shop for their produce as part of the ‘Long Live Produce Challenge’ on June 13.
Nicole Feliciano, editor and founder of Mom Trends, will kick off the challenge on her site by providing visitors with exclusive tips and tricks. “There’s nothing more frustrating than when I reach into the fridge and find that the produce I purchased earlier in the week has already spoiled,” said Nicole. “I’m challenging all Americans that pride themselves on feeding their family fresh produce to change their existing grocery routine and join me for the ‘Long Live Produce Challenge’ to see just how much longer you can make your produce last!”
Other features of the FreshWorks Produce Saver include: a lid filter which lasts a lifetime; is BPA-free; and comes three sizes.
The FreshWorks Produce Saver could be a breakthrough innovation in food storage and could help to address the problem that approximately 50% of food around the world is wasted each year. In the US alone, the USDA estimated in 2014 that approximately US$24bn worth of food, or about $192 per household, is thrown out each year due to spoiled produce.
Rubbermaid’s FreshWorks Produce Saver is now available in the US at retailers including Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, Costco, Kroger, Target, and via Amazon.
While many manufacturers have focused on reducing the environmental impact of the packaging itself, less has been done to provide customers with a more permanent solution for food storage. It is yet to be seen if such a trend will be adopted by food producers or supermarkets.
Rubbermaid is part of parent company Newell Brand’s global portfolio and is best known for producing food storage containers and garbage cans. The company also produces sheds, step stools, closets and shelving, laundry baskets as well as other household items.
