Innovation is also taking shape in the Ñuble Region. Chillán-based company Reem Biopack welcomed a delegation of Chinese engineers specializing in sustainable polymers, with the aim of strengthening the development of compostable packaging for the agricultural export industry.
The delegation, comprising Tianwei Jiang and Yanmin Jiang, representatives of Zhejiang Gretrak Technology Co., Ltd., visited Agroex's facilities, an exporter of blueberries, cherries and kiwifruit, to examine the requirements fruit must meet during storage, refrigeration and transportation to international markets.
The visit is part of a three-year technical partnership between the two companies, focused on the supply of corn-based resin and the validation of compostable bags incorporating Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) technology.
This technology aims to regulate gas exchange and moisture levels inside the packaging, helping maintain fruit quality during long-distance transportation.
An Alternative to Conventional Plastic in Agriculture
International markets are facing increasing demands to reduce the use of conventional plastics. In this context, the development of compostable packaging represents an opportunity to move toward more sustainable production processes.
According to preliminary company-provided trial results, tests conducted on cherries at 0°C showed preservation performance comparable to conventional bags, with advantages in certain quality parameters.
However, the trials also identified areas requiring improvement, particularly sealing performance and gas balance when interruptions occur in the cold chain. These factors will be addressed in upcoming validation stages.
Technology Manufactured in the Ñuble Region
One of the most notable aspects of this initiative is that Reem Biopack carries out its manufacturing operations in Chillán, integrating several production stages, including material formulation, extrusion, printing and sealing.
Erik Moll, the company's general manager, explained that the objective is to develop and manufacture compostable packaging in Ñuble that meets the demands of agricultural exporters while combining sustainability with fruit quality preservation.
The company aims to increase production capacity through fruit-specific testing, real-world transportation trials and supply planning tailored to exporters' volumes and seasonal requirements.
Rolando Espinoza, partner and founder of Reem Biopack, highlighted the importance of welcoming international suppliers on-site, allowing the companies to directly evaluate the performance and efficiency of packaging solutions used in fruit exports.
Regional Innovation with International Potential
Reem Biopack's experience highlights an opportunity for Ñuble: strengthening its industrial and technological capabilities beyond traditional agricultural production.
International cooperation, new material development and local manufacturing in Chillán demonstrate how regional companies can contribute to global challenges by providing solutions for an industry seeking to reduce its environmental impact.
The next step will be to continue technical validation to determine how these packaging solutions perform with different fruit varieties and transportation conditions before moving toward larger-scale implementation.
About Reem Biopack
Reem Biopack, formerly known as Soy Compostable, is a Chillán-based company dedicated to developing and manufacturing compostable packaging, with deliveries throughout Chile. The company holds TÜV Austria OK compost HOME certification for its customized bag product line and operates under an ISO 14001 environmental management system.
Noticias21 (N21)
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