Ethylene Removal

All About Ethylene and the Solution for Removal
Examples of Ethylene Producers Examples of Ethylene Sensitive
Apples Bananas (unripe)
Cantaloupes Broccoli
Kiwi fruit (ripe) Carrots
Peaches Peppers
Is Controlling the Temperature and Humidity enough?
No. While refrigeration and humidity control are important to slow down the ripening process, they
can’t stop the damage caused by ethylene gases. Only including measures to control ethylene
gas levels will preserve the freshness and reduce spoilage.
How big a problem is ethylene production?
Losses due directly to ethylene production run into the billions of US dollars annually.
Not only is the proper storage of produce an economic issue, but it is an issue of social
responsibility.
In an article entitled “Shrink Rapped, the amount of fresh fruits & vegetables food waste-known as
shrink was discussed.”The Food Marketing Institute stated that the ‘perishable” food sales totaled
$196 billion in 2006. “That means food worth nearly $20 billion was dumped by retailers. In a
report published on May 14th, the United Nations estimated that retailers and consumers in
America throw away food worth $48 billion each year and called upon governments everywhere to
halve food wastage by 2025.” (“Shrink Rapped” The Economist, May 17, 2008)
“Sysco Corp., the largest U.S. foodservice company by sales, said fruit, vegetable and dairy
products have been the main drivers of inflation in the sector, rather than “center of the plate”
meat products.”….Sysco… said it would focus on cost control for another 12 to 18 months to
counter the impact of rising input costs on sales ….. (“Sysco Cites Fruit for Inflation Bite”
Philadelphia Inquirer, August 12, 2008)
How do Ethylene Filters work?
Ethylene Extend –A-Life Filters work naturally to neutralize gases by absorbing the gases that
build up in confined spaces. The filters soak up the odorless gas like a sponge.
What is the Active Ingredient?
Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4). AgraCo offers the highest level of removal capacity with 8%
of active ingredient.
Can the filters help with food safety?
Yes. The filters also absorb fungi spores, bacteria and bad odors. When adopting a food safety
program an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. The cost of a food born illness
claim can be quite expensive. To include Extend-A-Life ™ Ethylene filters in your food safety
program, use 1 filter per 250 cubic feet of refrigerated air space. The filters are compatible with all
Organic Produce since no chemical residue is left on the food.
What are the some of the benefits to using Extend-A-Life Filters?
• Green Technology versus Chemical Process to Extend “Fresh Time”
• Reduce the Amount of Spoilage/ Shrink
• Extend Shelf Life
• Maintain the highest level of Food Quality
• Fresher = Higher Nutrients & Vitamin Content
• Reduce the Risk of Food Born Illness Claims
• No messy Bags or Measuring of Pellets / Pellets are Encased in Metal
• Landfill Disposable- Environmentally Safe
• Does Not require large Capital Costs unlike use of Ozone as Preservation Method
• Customer Satisfaction with Appearance, Taste and overall Freshness
• Improve Profit Margins / Save $ Money
Controlling the destructive properties of ethylene gases post harvest will extend the life cycle of
fruits, vegetables, and flowers during transport and storage.
Contact AgraCo today to order the Solution-Extend-A-Life™ absorbing Ethylene Filters.
AgraCo Technologies International LLC
220 South 2nd Street
Dillsburg, PA 17019
1-800-337-4169
717-502-0350
Fax 717-502-0353
http://www.agraco.com