Tama Assist Why Bananas No Longer Need to Be Unwrapped During Ripening
For decades, banana growers and packhouses have faced a difficult trade-off when it comes to containing cartons on their pallets. How do they contain the product on the pallet to limit damage and protect the fruit during transport, and at the same time allow for maximum airflow and cooling throughout the pallet? All manner of load containment methods are being used but most are removed for the ripening process, with the pallets requiring re-wrapping for the journey to supermarket DC’s, increasing labour, packaging waste, handling, and the risk of fruit damage.
Enter InnoVent®. With this latest unique innovation from Tama, bananas can now be wrapped at the pack house and remain securely wrapped throughout the entire supply chain journey… packing – transport – ripening – distribution.
Unlike conventional ventilated wraps that restrict airflow, and require removal during the ripening process, InnoVent® allows almost 100% air circulation. This ensures bananas ripen evenly without the need to remove the wrap, saving time, reducing waste and increasing safety.
By eliminating the unwrap/rewrap process, ripening operations become faster and more efficient. Labour is freed for other tasks, no waste is produced at the facility, while pallets remain secure and stable throughout ripening and transport to their final destination.
Bananas have traditionally been contained with products like glue, tapes, twines, corner boards & straps etc., which are mostly not recyclable or require sorting, with pallets requiring re-wrapping after ripening. InnoVent® is manufactured with minimum 30% recycled content, and is fully recyclable with regular pallet wrap, using much less material than traditional methods, thus reducing waste considerably for supermarket DC’s.
Despite the enhanced airflow, InnoVent® maintains exceptional pallet stability, due to its unique design, providing containment force from multiple points on the pallet to tightly secure the produce, reducing movement and the risk of damage — even on unevenly stacked loads.
Leading packhouses and distributors globally are adopting InnoVent®, noting significant improvements in efficiency, reduced product loss, and overall operational performance. From packing sheds to ripening rooms and final destination, InnoVent® keeps bananas safe, supported, and ready for market — all without ever being removed.
Discover how InnoVent® can transform your banana handling processes and protect your produce while improving efficiency and sustainability.