| (19) |
 |
|
(11) |
EP 0 918 022 A3 |
| (12) |
EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| (88) |
Date of publication A3: |
|
26.01.2000 Bulletin 2000/04 |
| (43) |
Date of publication A2: |
|
26.05.1999 Bulletin 1999/21 |
| (22) |
Date of filing: 02.11.1998 |
|
| (51) |
International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B65D 81/20 |
|
| (84) |
Designated Contracting States: |
|
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE |
|
Designated Extension States: |
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AL LT LV MK RO SI |
| (30) |
Priority: |
31.10.1997 GB 9723100
|
| (71) |
Applicant: Rexam Flexibles Viking Limited |
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Ledbury, Hertfordshire HR8 2DJ (GB) |
|
| (72) |
Inventors: |
|
- Twist, Cyril, c/o Rexam Flexibles Viking, Ltd.
Ledbury, HR8 2DJ (GB)
- Waters, Barry Stuart
Coalpit Heath, Bristol BS17 2TE (GB)
|
| (74) |
Representative: Stuart, Ian Alexander et al |
|
MEWBURN ELLIS York House 23 Kingsway
London WC2B 6HP
London WC2B 6HP (GB) |
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| |
|
| (54) |
Packaging of plant parts |
(57) Plant parts, particularly potatoes, are packed in enclosures such as plastic bags
designed so that the respiration of the plant parts generates a stable modified atmosphere
which enhances the storage lifetime. Nylon film allows the escape of water vapour.
Limited communication with the atmosphere, e.g. using non-gastight seals and/or micropores,
enables oxygen levels to reach a dynamic equilibrium. In potatoes, oxygen level are
desirably 2-14%, more preferably 3-8% by volume. This suppresses greening and sprouting.
Excessively low oxygen levels can allow anaerobic organisms and processes, leading
to spoilage.