Broccoli is a vegetable that can easily spoil because its respiration rate is high even after it has been harvested. When broccoli is distributed during a warm period, it is usually precooled following harvest and placed in styrofoam boxes filled with ice for shipment. However, the environmental burdens of this distribution method are substantial because the loading efficiency is low and the styrofoam boxes are discarded after transport. The present study aimed to examine the effects of modified atmosphere with high water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) film on freshness retention after harvesting and loading efficiency in broccoli. Xtend® (modified atmosphere with high WVTR film, Xtend) and styrofoam boxes filled with ice were used. Harvested broccoli was preserved for 4 to 14 days at low and normal temperature, and the gas concentration (O2 and CO2), decrease rate of the weights of broccoli, its quality, and the loading efficiency of different materials during transportation were examined. At low temperature, rupture stress, ascorbic acid and appearance evaluation were similar between Xtend and styrofoam boxes. When Xtend was used, the cost of the packaging materials was lower and their weight was lighter, compared with styrofoam boxes filled with ice. The results of the study suggested that the introduction to this new packaging system may provide positive effects for broccoli distribution as an alternative material with a lower environmental burden than styrofoam boxes filled with ice.
