Fruits and Vegetables Coatings Market: Pros and Cons

Having fruits and vegetables that are easily rotten can be frustrating, and financially burdened. However, as research and developments in the agricultural sector have been underway there is a solution to this issue which is coatings for fruits and vegetables. Also being called as Apeel, this is a plant-based coating that works as an additional peel or layer that can provide protection from environmental factors and prevent rotting or deterioration.

These additional coatings have gained popularity which drives the growth of fruits and vegetables coatings market across the globe. According to a leading research firm, GMI Research, fruits and vegetables coatings market size would see significant growth due to the high tendency of fruits and vegetables to spoil quickly and prolonging their shelf life.

What are The Upsides?

There are several factors that drive the popularity of Apeel in many parts of the world.

1. Reduce plastic waste

Apeel can replace plastic to protect fruits and vegetables which ultimately can reduce plastic waste and in line with global campaign of sustainability.

2. Longer shelf life

Apeel can provide additional layer to the skin and offer protection from rotting or deterioration. As a result, Apeel can extend shelf life and reduce food waste. This ultimately can also minimize inventory wastage and leads to greater profitability.

3. Save water

As the Apeel can guarantee the freshness, it reduces the necessity for the stores to use water to keep it from spoiling, which leads to efficient water usage.

4. Non-toxic and safe to eat

Even though it seems not natural, but Apeel are made from non-toxic materials, and it is safe for human consumption. Furthermore, it does not change the taste of the products and provides reassurance to consumers worried about artificial chemicals.

5. Financial advantages for farmers

As the Apeel can minimize losses after harvesting, farmers can increasingly gain more financial advantages. They can now penetrate distant markets which previously were out of reach because of perishability issues.

The Downsides

Nevertheless, there are also some challenges in this market.

1. Restricted availability

There is still a limitation in Apeel availability as it is available for particular products only. Its advantages cannot yet be fully utilized for the wide range of perishable products available.

2. High initial cost

Even though Apeel can reduce costs over the long term, the initial cost and investment can be high. Therefore, it might restrain smallholder farmers or enterprises from requiring this coating. Moreover, they would have to consider the long-term advantages versus the upfront expenses.

3. Impact on the environment

Although Apeel can save the environment by reducing plastic waste, it also produces carbon footprint during the production process, which still needs to be thoroughly researched.

4. Chemicals involvement

Despite the fact that it is safe and has no toxic ingredients, no chemicals are always better than less chemicals. To consume products which are 100 percent natural can be a healthier and better option for the consumers.

5. Lack of awareness

Currently, there is still a lack of perception regarding the benefits and the safety of the product, that may hamper the expansion of the fruits and vegetables coatings market.