How the RYPEN Pad tackles ethylene & excess juice

Fresh-cut fruit is a staple of modern convenience, offering consumers a ready-to-eat, healthy option that fits into busy lifestyles. But behind the scenes, maintaining the quality and shelf-life of these products is a complex challenge. Two major culprits that accelerate spoilage in retail-packed fresh-cut fruit are wound ethylene and excess juice build-up. Fortunately, the RYPEN Pad from It’s Fresh is designed to address both issues head-on.

The problem with wound ethylene

When fruit is cut, it releases wound ethylene—a more potent form of the natural ripening hormone. This surge in ethylene doesn’t just affect the cut pieces; it can trigger accelerated ripening and senescence across the entire pack – resulting in discolouration, softening, and a shortened shelf-life.

Unlike whole fruit, fresh-cut varieties are particularly vulnerable because the cutting process disrupts cellular integrity, increasing ethylene production and sensitivity. Without intervention, this can lead to rapid quality deterioration.

The issue of excess juice

Another challenge is excess juice, which accumulates in the bottom of the pack as fruit releases moisture post-cutting. This juice not only looks unappealing to consumers but also creates a breeding ground for microbial growth, further compromising freshness and safety.

Enter the RYPEN Pad

The RYPEN Pad is a discreet yet powerful solution that integrates seamlessly into fresh-cut fruit packaging. It works in two key ways:

Ethylene moderation: The pad actively captures ethylene build-up within the pack, including the more aggressive wound ethylene. By reducing the ethylene concentration, RYPEN slows down the ripening process, helping fruit retain its firmness, colour, and flavour for longer.

Juice absorption: The RYPEN Pad also absorbs excess juice, preventing pooling and maintaining a clean, dry environment inside the pack. This not only improves visual appeal but also reduces microbial risk, supporting food safety and extending shelf-life.

Seamless integration

Designed to work with existing packaging formats, the RYPEN Pad doesn’t require any changes to packing lines or pack design. It’s a plug-and-play solution that delivers immediate benefits without disrupting operations—a key advantage for producers and retailers alike.

A win for quality & sustainability

By extending shelf-life and reducing waste, RYPEN supports both commercial and environmental goals. Less spoilage means fewer returns, happier customers, and a lower carbon footprint across the supply chain.