How to Tackle Excessive Ethylene In Fruits & Vegetables Warehouses?

In the world of agriculture and food storage, ethylene gas is known as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it plays a crucial role in ripening and maturation processes in fruits and vegetables, but on the other hand, it can lead to over-ripening, spoilage, and decreased shelf-life.

Ethylene gas is produced naturally by many fruits and vegetables as they ripen. This gas is then released into the surrounding air and can lead to a buildup of ethylene within the storage area, which can cause the fruits and vegetables to ripen too quickly and spoil faster. This can result in significant economic losses for farmers, wholesalers, and retailers.

Fortunately, there are several methods for reducing the buildup of ethylene gas within storage areas. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most effective ways to tackle excessive ethylene in fruits and vegetables warehouses.

Temperature Control
One of the most effective ways to tackle excessive ethylene is by controlling the temperature within the storage area. Lower temperatures can help to slow down the ripening process and reduce the amount of ethylene gas that is produced. Ideally, the temperature within the storage area should be maintained at around 0-5°C for most fruits and vegetables. However, some produce may require slightly different temperatures, so it is important to consult with a professional or refer to specific storage guidelines for each product.

Ethylene Absorbers
Ethylene absorbers are devices that are designed to remove ethylene gas from the air. These devices work by using activated carbon to adsorb ethylene gas molecules, thereby reducing the concentration of ethylene within the storage area. Ethylene absorbers are effective for reducing the buildup of ethylene and can significantly extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making them a popular choice for many farmers and food storage facilities.

Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining optimal conditions within the storage area. Ventilation helps to circulate air within the storage area, which can help to reduce the buildup of ethylene gas. Additionally, proper ventilation can help to remove excess moisture and prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, which can also contribute to spoilage. It is important to ensure that the ventilation system is properly maintained and functioning at all times.

Ethylene Scrubbers
Ethylene scrubbers are similar to ethylene absorbers in that they are designed to remove ethylene gas from the air. However, instead of using activated carbon, ethylene scrubbers use a catalyst to oxidize ethylene gas molecules, converting them into carbon dioxide and water. Ethylene scrubbers are highly effective for removing ethylene gas and can significantly extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. However, they are typically more expensive than ethylene absorbers and may require professional installation.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a technique that involves altering the composition of the air within the packaging to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. This technique can be used to reduce the buildup of ethylene gas within the packaging, which can help to slow down the ripening process and prevent spoilage. MAP involves sealing the produce in airtight packaging with a modified atmosphere that is tailored to the specific product. This technique is highly effective for extending the shelf life of many fruits and vegetables but may require specialized equipment.

Ethylene is one of the newest gases being used in fruit and vegetable storage. It is a gas that is released when ripe or damaged fruit is stored. The recommended practice in fruits and vegetable warehouses is to keep ethylene producing items separately from non producing items.

Even a small amount of ethylene gas leakage during shipping and storage will accelerate the process of the decay of fresh items. Further, some of the storage providers will use the gases like nitrogen and sulphur gas to hamper the high concentrations of ethylene. The common process that is involved in solving the challenges is by maintaining ventilation in the warehouse/storage areas. Sometimes this may not meet the exact requirements.

In these instances, deploying gas phase filtration solutions in the warehouses/ storage areas will fulfill the needs.

Gas phase filters and equipment are designed to remove harmful, irritant, and toxic gases from the air making the environment cleaner and purer with specialized media and chemical substrate. Gas phase filtration technology is the optimum solution for the efficient removal of a broad spectrum of airborne contaminants.

[Find out more about other food & beverage industry solutions offered by AAF – https://www.aaf-india.com/industries/food-and-beverage-air-filtration/ ]

American Air Filter (AAF) is a leading manufacturer of gas phase products and is recognized globally for quality, expertise, and innovation in Air Filtration. The broad product and service portfolio also covers a versatile range of particulate filtration solutions that offer the customer the answer to each air quality challenge.

Contact our AAF representative to mitigate the ethylene issues and find the best solutions for your r warehouses/ storage areas.

Website: https://www.aaf-india.com/contact