The presence of ethylene or moulds, bacteria and viruses during the storage of fresh produce can cause huge losses. “That is a thing of the past with AiroFresh. This is an ideal means to optimise the post-harvest management,” says Roger van Engelgem enthusiastically. He is planning to convince the fresh produce sector of this ideal system, which has been organically certified (NASAA).
Air purification
Roger works for AiroFresh’s distributor, Agri Technology, and this was his first time at the Fruit Logistica. “The system is new for the fresh produce sector. However, it has been used in space travel for years already. AiroFresh was developed by NASA, and is a unique air purification system that is 100 per cent safe for users and the environment. CRT Tech Pty Ltd Australia has purchased and adjusted it, and has applied for a patent for the food sector. With this, it is even possible to place fish, meat and fresh produce in one room, without risk of contamination.”
Already applied in fruit cultivation
“Since it was developed by NASA, it has been further refined and improved into a commercial tool that is capable of rendering pollutants in the air and vapour harmless. The VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) such as moulds, fungi, bacteria and viruses are also destroyed by the AiroFresh.” AiroFresh is already being used in the cultivation of fruit. “We are working with Benelux Fruitservice and they are very positive about the system. We are hoping to also convince the rest of the sector. That could be challenging, because people do not switch readily to something new.”
Decomposing ethylene
Roger continues: “AiroFresh is an ideal means to optimise the post-harvest management. Furthermore, an improved shelf life, flavour and quality of the product have been recorded. Including the sterilisation of packaging and the storage area in which the product is located. AiroFresh purifies the air in a non-chemical way, by means of a patented UVC lamp and the special coating which effectively decomposes the impurities in the air, and ethylene in particular.”
Product information
The AiroFresh1000 unit has a volume handling capacity of 250m3 storage space. The unit’s output is 120m3/hour. For soft fruit such as berries, one unit for 150m3 storage space is recommended. The AiroFresh4000 moves 480m3/hour and is good for storage rooms of up to 1,000m3. For soft fruit such as berries, one unit for 600m3 storage space is recommended. The possibilities of AiroFresh are enormous. The system can be used from cultivation companies to supermarkets. For more information:
Roger Van Engelgem
Agri Technology bvba
+32(0) 475 66 58 07
roger@agritechnology.be
www.agritechnology.be