LifePack SA — Modified Atmosphere Packaging for South African Fresh Produce
Modified Atmospheric Packaging
From the packhouse floor to export shelves — LifePack SA delivers packaging solutions that protect freshness, ensure compliance, and represent your brand with confidence.
What We Do
Packaging Built for the South African
fresh produce and export market.
We supply packaging solutions designed specifically for fresh produce — built to perform from harvest through cold-chain to retail.
Technology & Products
The science behind
Modified Atmosphere Packaging.
What Is Modified Atmosphere Packaging
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is based on the alteration in the composition of gases around the certain commodity within the sealed package. Elevation in the CO2 level along the decreased O2 level in the package result in a decreased respiration rate of the stored fruits and vegetables and extension of the physiological life.
MAP packages discharges the released ethylene gas from the modified atmosphere, eliminating the possibility of decay, spoiling, ageing, and maturing. The MAP packages enrich the modified atmosphere by providing the optimum relative humidity, and completely prevents loss of weight. However, it never produces a waterlogged atmosphere that would cause microbial spoilage of fresh products.
The level of gases accumulated in the MAP package is produced by respiratory rate of the product, storage temperature, ratio of product weight to the semipermeable film area, and other several factors. The polymer engineers developing MAP packages have ensured MAP to be more competitive and successful in the fresh product market by enabling critical developments. The film has very unique characteristics.
How it works
Lifepack® MA/MH Bags are manufactured from a semi-permeable film that can control gas exchange. The semipermeable character of the film is based on the activity of several intelligent molecules placed inside film. These molecules allowed O2 to enter the package at a rate offset by the consumption O2 by the commodity. Similarly, CO2 must be vented from the package to offset the production of CO2 by the commodity. Furthermore, this atmosphere must be established rapidly and without creating anoxic conditions or injuriously high levels of CO2. Lifepack® MA Bags vents the released ethylene gas from the modified atmosphere and thereby, eliminates the possibility of acceleration of repining then senescence and deterioration and decay. Lifepack® MA/MH Bags enriches the modified atmosphere with sufficient relative humidity and completely inhibits the weight loss. In contrast, it never creates a water-saturated atmosphere that will cause microbial spoilage of fresh produce.
Why South African exporters choose MAP
Extended Shelf Life
By slowing respiration and reducing moisture loss, MAP keeps produce market-ready for longer — from packhouse to retail shelf.
Cold-Chain Compatible
Engineered to perform across the temperatures and humidity ranges typical of South African export cold-chain logistics.
Tailored Gas Permeability
Film permeability is matched to the commodity, balancing oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethylene around the produce inside.
Reduced Waste
Less spoilage in transit and at retail means lower waste, better margins and a stronger sustainability story.
Ethylene Sachets and Filters
Ethylene sachets are an effective post-harvest solution designed to extend the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables. These sachets contain active compounds that absorb and neutralize ethylene gas — a natural plant hormone that accelerates ripening and aging in produce. By reducing ethylene levels inside packaging or storage environments, the sachets help slow down ripening, minimize spoilage, and maintain freshness and firmness for longer periods.
Ideal for use during transport, storage, and retail display, ethylene absorber sachets are safe, easy to use, and suitable for a wide range of produce.
Main benefits of Ethylene Sachets
- The atmosphere is kept free of bacteria, ethylene and fungi spores from harvest/packing to supermarket
- Freshness, original colour and weight of produce are maintained
- Shelf life is extended — mould development is contained
- Close protection
- Ideal combination with MAP bag packaging technology to control the ethylene gas within produce packaging
- Produce-friendly
- Organic compliant
Instructions of use
For best ethylene control, the sachet is best located inside packing boxes, trays or bags on top of the commodities.
Ethylene Filter
Introducing the game-changing Fresh Up Ethylene Filter, an innovative product that will meet the market’s needs for new and better technology. In a market where ethylene filters have seen little innovation since their initial release, we proudly present a product that improves performance, cost-effectiveness, and convenience. Fresh Up Ethylene Filter is not just a solution; it’s a testament to our commitment to meeting and exceeding the evolving needs of our customers.
Ethylene filtration systems remove excess ethylene gas within the container, reducing respiration rates and slowing physiological ripening during transit. This helps preserve firmness, minimise softening and decay, and maintain arrival quality consistency — particularly on long-haul shipments.
Expert Craftsmanship by TPG
Fresh Up is proudly crafted by TPG, a South Korean company with 40 years of specialization in absorbers. With the knowledge and know-hows of an absorber specialist, TPG delivers products that not only meet, but exceed expectations and, above all, products that can be trusted. TPG’s expertise extends across various industries — including food, pharma, industrial, and more — showcasing their versatility and preparedness for all situations and conditions.
- Each filter is packed with 860g of active ingredient, capable of absorbing 4.3L of ethylene gas.
- The protective layer enables the use of a state-of-the-art powder-like ingredient without the risk of leakage outside the filter, whereas with traditional filters, particles and dust from the ingredient may leak out, even with granule-like ingredients which perform far less than powder.
- Ingredients leaking onto hands and boxes are no longer a risk, as the protective layer will keep them inside at all times.
Commodities We Pack
MAP solutions for South Africa’s leading export crops.
Who We Serve
Built for the South African
fresh produce and export market.
We understand the pressures of agribusiness. Our packaging is designed around the real challenges of farmers, packhouses, and exporters.
Commercial Farmers
Packaging that protects your crop from harvest to packhouse. Reduce post-harvest losses and maintain the quality you worked all season to achieve.
- Freshness preservation from field to shelf
- Moisture and temperature control
- Reduces crop wastage in transit
Packhouse Managers
High-volume packaging solutions built for the pace of a working packhouse. Consistent supply, reliable quality, and formats that integrate with your line.
- High-throughput compatible formats
- Consistent quality and sizing
- Reliable supply chain support
Produce Exporters
Export-ready packaging that meets international retailer and compliance standards. Your produce arrives looking like it just left the farm.
- International retail compliance
- Cold-chain certified materials
- Custom branding for destination markets
20+
Years in produce packaging
250M
MAP bags produced annually
47+
Export markets served
100%
SA-focused supply chain
Our Partnership
Backed by Apyek.
Stronger together.
LifePack SA operates in proud partnership with Apyek — a specialist in agricultural supply chain and packaging technology. Together, we combine LifePack’s deep roots in the South African produce industry with Apyek’s global expertise and innovation.
This partnership means our customers get access to a broader range of packaging materials, better pricing through consolidated supply, and the confidence that comes from working with two organisations absolutely committed to fresh produce quality.
A partnership built on shared values: freshness, reliability, and a genuine commitment to South African agriculture.
Get in Touch
Let’s talk packaging.
Whether you’re looking for a new supplier, planning a packaging refresh, or just exploring options — we’re here.
Contact details
Response time
We typically respond within one business day. For urgent enquiries, please call us directly.
Partner with Apyek
Interested in our full partnership offering? Visit Apyek directly for more information.
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