what is ethylene?

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WHAT WE DO
We C o n t r o l E t hy l e n e
We work with packhouses, coolstores, marketing companies, trucking and shipping
organisations, shops and supermarkets to implement Ethylene Control procedures.
Our first action is always to provide our customers with a detailed analysis of their specific
concerns relating to Ethylene contamination using scientific data as a basis to minimise risk
and maximise profitability.
We manage every aspect of the Ethylene Control process for our Customers using our
Everfresh product range
We have specific solutions for every point in the cool-chain where Ethylene is likely to
negatively impact the quality of the produce prior to sale to the consumer.
WHO WE ARE
We are a New Zealand owned and operated company located in the Bay of Plenty, at the
centre of the kiwifruit industry.
We specialise in Ethylene Control of fresh produce.
Our people are from the horticultural industry - we understand the causes and consequences
of Ethylene contamination at every point in the cool-chain, from orchard to market.
Our trained staff offer a skilled technical service with prompt attention to customer needs.
We employ people who understand your industry, speak your language, so we are able to
provide the exact solution to your Ethylene Control requirements.
All of our products are manufactured locally, this means a more competitive price structure
and faster service delivery.
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WHAT IS ETHYLENE?
The ripening of fruit and vegetables is started by Ethylene which is a natural, odorless,
colorless and harmless gas - a plant hormone - that is emitted by fruits and vegetables
during storage. Ethylene gas initiates and accelerates the ripening process and ultimately
causes fresh produce to lose shelf life.
Wastage caused by Ethylene contamination during storage and transport is a significant
economic issue for the post-harvest industry, marketers, retailers and commercial distributors.
Fresh produce that is notorious for producing Ethylene includes apples, avocados, bananas,
melons, peaches, pears, and tomatoes. When stored along with Ethylene sensitive produce
such as kiwifruit, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, leafy greens, lettuce and others (refer to the
produce chart) Ethylene damage is triggered causing deterioration, loss of shelf-life and
wastage.
In addition to the natural emission of Ethylene gas by certain fresh produce, Ethylene gas can
also be emitted by engines. Propane, diesel, and gasoline powered engines all produce
Ethylene in amounts large enough to cause damage to Ethylene sensitive produce during
storage.
By removing Ethylene surrounding or in the vicinity of fresh produce and cut-flowers,
shelf-life can be greatly extended and spoilage avoided.
Everfresh Technologies Ltd. manufactures a range of products designed to absorb Ethylene.
Our products utilise Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4) granules to absorb and remove
Ethylene. Potassium Permanganate media is widely used and proven in the horticulture
industry. It is an effective, simple and safe method of removing Ethylene even at very low
levels.
It is important to understand that Ethylene can have a negative effect on produce. Therefore,
to keep stored produce fresher for longer, contact Everfresh Technologies Ltd, for an effective
solution to your produce storage needs.
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OUR DIFFERENCE
We specialise in filing-the-gaps in the cool-chain where Ethylene threatens the quality of
fresh produce on its journey to market.
We respond rapidly to every enquiry. We know the problems caused to fresh produce by
the presence of ethylene. We are local and customer service is our priority.
We customise solutions. We do not operate on either a one-size-fits-all nor on an
off-the-shelf basis. We manufacture our products locally based on the scope, requirement
or complexity of the project.
We maximise the efficiency of Ethylene Control by calculating the likely Ethylene emission
during the storage period using technical and scientific research data.
We employ people who understand the pressures of the horticulture industry.
THE COOL-CHAIN
Fresh produce
Produce in
Produce
Produce
picked and packed
the cool-store
transported to
presented to
environment
distribution point
consumer
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HOW WE DO IT
Potassium Permanganate is the ‘media’ that is used to absorb Ethylene. This media is used
in a range of products that we manufacture for specific Ethylene Control situations in order
that all potential Ethylene contamination gaps in the cool-chain can be controlled.
The media that we use is highly effective with a minimum 8% ratio of potassium permanganate.
All Potassium Permanganate Active Media used within Everfresh Technologies Ltd filters comes
from source with ‘ISO 9001 Certified (2008)’ Status ensuring compliance with its specified
manufacturing standard.
We manufacture products for use in every possible situation and location where Ethylene might
threaten the quality of produce. Such locations include:
Coolstores
Shipping Containers
Road Transporters
Chillers
Storage Rooms
Trays, Cartons or Pallets
Supermarket Shelving
We can control Ethylene by selecting the most appropriate product in the Everfresh range to
fit the Ethylene problem which has been identified.
We offer a full management service which allows our customers to concentrate on their
core business while we do what we do best.....
WE CO NTROL E THYLE N E
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HOW THE ETHYVENT MACHINES WORK
Model Illustrated is the EFM 1000
Clean air output
fresh active media
active media
saturated media
Stale air intake
can easily be replaced on site with a quick operational check to keep on site
disruption to a minimum.
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THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT - POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE
The Active Ingredient in the entire Everfresh product range is known as Potassium Permanganate.
The Potassium is impregnated into a suitable carrier substrate with an internal surface area
structure far larger than the external surface would suggest. For example, 1gm of our Active Media
can support an internal surface area of up to 1500m2!
The Active Media becomes saturated with Ethylene as the molecules pass through the media.
As a natural consequence of this chemical reaction, the Active Media begins to turn from bright
purple in colour through to a dark brown when totally saturated. The Active Media is firstly
discoloured on the outside surface and becomes further discoloured internally as the outer layers
become totally saturated with Ethylene.
To ensure continuous protection, it is essential that on a timely basis, a very small sample of
Active Media be taken from the filters where possible and crushed to expose the inner surface
to determine the internal colour properties. If the media still shows purple or reddish colours,
the media is still active. If the media is pale to dark brown, the media is approaching or is at
the end of its active life.
For our customers that lease our machines, calculations are made using basic information
supplied by our clients to enable us to project the life of the Active Media within the type and
size of machine in that installation. This enables us to actively service machines in a timely
manner as required or ship required Active Media to the customer as required.
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How Ethylene Gas Effects your Produce
E t hy l e n e p r o d u c t i o n a n d s e n s i t i v i t y l e ve l s o f s e l e c t e d f r e s h p r o d u ce
Level of Ethylene
Sensitivity
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
VH
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
Rate of Ethylene
Production
VH
H
H
M
VL
VL
VL
VL
L
L
VL
VL
M
M
H
H
VH
H
H
L
M
L
M
L
VL
VL
Principal Reaction
to Ethylene Gas
Low flesh pressure
Decay
Decay
Decay
Yellowing
Yellowing
Yellowing
Softening
Yellowing
Decay
Russet spotting Russet spotting Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Shrink, decay
Lose firmness
Yellowing
Yellowing
Asparagus
Cantaloupe
Eggplant
Grapefruit
Lemons
Limes
Oranges
Potatoes
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
VL
H
L
VL
VL
VL
VL
VL
Toughness
Decay
Brown Spots
Mould
Mould
Mould
Mould
Sprouting
Berryfruit
Carrots
Cherries
Grapes
Onions
Garlic
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
VL
VL
VL
VL
VL
Mould
Bitterness
Softening
Mould
Odour, Sprouting
Odour, Sprouting
Fruits & Vegetables
Apples
Apricots
Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Cucumbers
Kiwifruit
Leafy Greens
Lettuce
Mangoes
Rock Melons
Nectarines
Papaya
Passion Fruit
Peaches
Pears
Persimmons
Plums
Quinces
Tomatoes
Watermelons
Cut Flowers
Parsely
VL = Very low,
L = Low,
M = Moderate,
H=High,
VH = Very High
BEST PRACTICE GUIDE TO MINIMISING
WASTAGE AND LOSS OF PROFITS
IN FRUIT & VEGETABLES
WHAT IS ETHYLENE?
Ethylene gas is an odourless and colourless gas that is emitted by many fruits and vegetables
through a natural respiration process.
Ethylene gas accelerates the ripening process which causes fruits in storage to decay and
vegetables & flowers to yellow and wilt.
Removing ethylene gas prevents loss of shelf-life and wastage.
SMART STOCK MANAGEMENT
Smart stock management decreases waste and improves profitability.
Create ‘Safe Storage Categories’ by separating ethylene generating produce from
ethylene sensitive produce. (see the lists below)
Avoid a buildup of waste or decaying produce in key storage areas, this waste generates
high ethylene gas levels.
SAFE STORAGE CATEGORIES
Main Ethylene Generators
Highly Ethylene Sensitive
Apples & Pears
Nashi
Ripe Bananas
Cantaloupe Melon
Passion Fruit
Figs
Guavas
Leafy Green Vegetables & Herbs
Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts & Celery
Avocado
Kiwifruit
Tomato
Cucumber, Zucchini & Eggplant
Cabbage & Cauliflower
Rock Melon / Watermelon
Mango / Papaya
Persimmon & Quince
Stone Fruits
Cut-Flowers
Where possible separate products in the green
column from products in the orange column
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
All Everfresh Technologies Ltd ethylene control products
are detailed on www.everfresh.co.nz and in the
brochure that has been delivered to your office.
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CONTACT DETAILS
Everfresh Technologies NZ Ltd
Unit 4, Artisan Business Park,
11 Ashley Place, Papamoa, 3118,
New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 542 1350
Phil Mossman
Mobile: +64 276 082 242
Email: [email protected]
Max Mobley
Mobile: +64 275 143 435
Email: [email protected]
Ernst Slabbekoorn
Mobile: +64 215 040 75
Email: [email protected]
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NEW PRODUCT RELEASE
Supermarket customers can now be offered a product that adds real value to the shopping
experience.
A significant percentage of the fruit and vegetables your customers purchase are wasted
as a result of softening, wilting and decay. Consequently, customers tend to buy these
products on a cautious or limited basis rather than in bulk.
All fruits and vegetables give off ethylene gas as they ripen. Much of the produce in the home
refrigerator is sensitive to the presence of even very low levels of ethylene gas. Many other
produce types emit significant levels of ethylene. The domestic refrigerator acts as an
enclosed ‘trap’ for the ethylene gas given off by fresh produce thereby quickening the
ripening process.
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beFresh neutralises ethylene gas in the home refrigerator – more than doubling the
shelf life of the stored produce. beFresh keeps fresh produce crisper and fresher for several
weeks longer. It delays wilting and yellowing of leafy green vegetables and decreases decay
and wastage in most fruit types.
Consumers can declare their refrigerator an ‘ethylene gas free zone’ by keeping a beFresh
pack in the crisper draw of their fridge.
beFresh is designed and developed to compliment the fruit and vegetable section of the
supermarket utilising convenient plastic hook-over dispensers which do not compete with
shelf-space nor obstruct pricing.
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beFresh is a simple to use product that efficiently neutralises ethylene gas.
A small pack designed to be affixed by suction-pad to the inside wall of the
crisper draw of the home refrigerator.
Will last for 1 month.
Instructions clear, well detailed.
Non-toxic, safe to use, disposal via standard rubbish collection.
Attractive, eye catching and theme compatible with the fresh fruit and vegetable
section of a supermarket.
Uncomplicated and easy to use - has no moving or gadget parts.
To use, just remove outer cellophane wrap.
Very affordable – repeat and regular purchases a very high probability.
Promotes confidence in bulk purchasing.
Fits well with current consumer thinking. A natural solution; environmentally
responsible.
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EthySachet
Purpose:
Standard foodgrade sachet which can be placed
into trays of fruit or bins of fruit. Can be made to
contain any amount of media to suit requirement.
Standard Sizes:
4gm, 10gm, 20gm, 35gm, 50gm, 100gm
Box Quantities:
Sachet size dependant. Minimum pack of 100.
Maximum pack of 1,000.
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EthyPallet
Purpose:
Non Standard foodgrade sachet designed to hang
on straps on Pallets of fruit/vegetables. Can be made
to contain any amount of media to suit requirement.
Standard Sizes:
50gm, 100gm, 150gm
Box Quantities:
Sachet size dependant. Minimum pack of 100.
Maximum pack of 500
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EthyReefer
Purpose:
Hanging filter designed to be mounted/hung
within shipping container. Can be made to contain
any amount of media to suit requirement.
Standard Sizes:
250gm, 500gm, 1,000gm
Box Quantities:
250gm
500gm
1,000gm
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=
=
20 per box
10 per box
5 per box
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Consumables
Purpose:
Media supplied in various formats for use in
EthyVent machines etc. Can be made to contain
any amount of media to suit environment.
Standard Sizes:
500gm pouch, 2kg bag, 5kg bag, 20kg box,
‘V’ filter refill
Box Quantities:
500gm x10
2kg x 5
5kg x 2 or x 4
20kg x 1 box
‘V’ filter refill Single units
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EthyVent Machines
Offered on sale or lease terms
Purpose:
Designed to be sited within a coolroom. Independent
power supply ensuring 24hr air filtration. Multiple
units may be used to provide best air filtration across
a large coolstore. Larger machines on wheels for easy
transportation. Modular ‘V’ filter cartridges for easy
media replacement.
Standard Sizes:
200m3, 1,000m3, 2,000m3
Performance:
EFM 200
EFM 1000
EFM 2000
=
=
=
200m3 airflow per hour
1,000m3 airflow per hour
2,000m3 airflow per hour
Dimensions:
EFM 200
EFM 1000
EFM 2000
=
=
=
270mm W x 180mm D x 310mm H
620mm W x 460mm D x 1000mm H
900mm W x 620mm D x 1000mm H
Box Quantities:
Single
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EthyGrade
Purpose:
Designed to be sited in a coolstore/repack area.
Rollers to carry fruit trays to be inspected. Lighting
above to enable accurate inspection of fruit. Forced
air extraction above creating positive airflow away
from fruit as trays are opened, removing all air born
contaminants and allowing ‘in spec’ fruit to be packed
into fresh trays without cross contamination caused by
air born contaminants.
*Can be supplied as complete unit - Stand, Rollers
and Hood or Hood can be supplied and retro-fitted
to existing grading tables.
Dimensions:
2,300mm H (including hood) x 1,650mm W x 670mm D
Box Quantities:
1
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EthyScreen
Purpose:
Designed to be fixed to coolroom air handling
units (Evaporators) to remove Ethylene as part of
the cooling cycle. Can be made to contain any
amount of media to suit environment.
Standard Sizes:
5kg & 10kg
Dimensions:
5kg
10kg
Box Quantities:
Single
=
=
400 W x 85 D x 300 H
650 W x 85 D x 300 H