How to Use Ethylene Absorbers?

Ethylene Absorbers

How to Use Ethylene Absorbers?

Fruits are often susceptible to spoils during their last stages of maturity, resulting in a decline in freshness and quality. However, one way to treat this problem is by using ethylene absorbers. Ethylene absorbers are non-reusable mixtures of clay and oxidising agents (such as potassium permanganate and naturally occurring zeolites). They are available in granular form for filters, sheets, and transport sachets.

What is ethylene?

After harvesting freshly picked fruits, vegetables, and flowers, they produce ethylene gas and water vapour. Ethylene, a naturally occurring chemical produced by fruits and vegetables,  acts as a catalyst for ripening fruit and vegetable. Water vapour and ethylene gas are released as a catalyst for the ripening process, hastening microbial damage and deterioration. Excessive moisture may accelerate decay, mould, and fungus growth while stored or transported.

Additionally, because some fruits and vegetables emit a higher concentration of ethylene gas, fresh produce must be separated, packaged, or stored according to their ethylene profile.

So, how does the ethylene absorber help maintain fresh produce’s quality?

Ethylene absorbers ensure the purity of the treated air by eliminating microorganisms and volatile chemicals such as ethylene, acetaldehyde, ethanol, and methanol that accumulate in the atmosphere during the transportation and storage of fruits and vegetables.

Ethylene Absorber Sachets can be quickly packaged with vegetables, flowers, and fruits. The sachets preserve and prolong fresh produce’s shelf life in several ways. The ethylene absorbers are protected by a permeable membrane, allowing them to function even in environments with high humidity levels.

Who benefits from ethylene absorbers?

Farmers and Suppliers: Ethylene absorbers aid suppliers of fresh produce and flowers in regulating maturity, lowering grade-outs and rejects, and delivering more excellent quality and longer shelf life.

Retailers: By using ethylene absorbers with fresh produce, in-store waste is decreased, more fruit is available on the shelves, and retailers experience increased revenue as customers patronise more frequently.

The absorption process of ethylene absorbers:

1. The minerals in the sachet specifically absorb ethylene generated by the fresh produce.

2. The substance in the sachet attracts ethylene gas, which is then oxidised into water and carbon dioxide.

3. Any surplus moisture generated inside the packaging is absorbed, which prevents microbial activity inside the package.

Place the necessary number of sachets in the packaging box or standard corrugated fruit and vegetable cartons. The ethylene absorber sachets remove bacteria from the surroundings and absorb ethylene gas to increase the shelf life of packaged fresh produce. Doses would vary based on the type of fresh produce and ethylene emission.

Benefits of Ethylene Absorbers

  • Limits ripening and ethylene levels of fresh produce/flowers
  • Preserves and extends shelf life
  • Eliminates airborne pathogens
  • Keeps fruit pressure constant
  • Safe, affordable and user-friendly
  • Non-toxic, chemically inert, and suitable for regular trash disposal.

Common fresh goods packed with ethylene absorbers

Some fruits and veggies emit more ethylene gas. Hence, they are best advised to be stored and packaged separately from other fresh goods.

  • Apples
  • Apricots
  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Carrots
  • Cucumbers
  • Kiwis
  • Mangoes
  • Melons
  • Oranges
  • Pears
  • Potatoes
  • Fresh flowers

Ethylene Absorbers come in different forms.

Filters

Ethylene absorber filters can be packaged conveniently and quickly in cartons. They are prepared for manual insertion into retail or food packs in the supply chain, from harvesting to ripening and packing to transporting.

Pallet Covers

Fresh fruit and vegetable produce can be covered with unique polyethene pallet covers. To preserve the fresh produce’s freshness and delay the ripening process, ethylene is removed from the environment by a proprietary additive in a plastic film. The covers’ porous, permeable material allows for optimum gas exchange within the packing and inhibits mould growth on the packaged food.

Sachets

The sachets’ structure permits gas exchanges and is highly water-resistant. Ethylene Absorber Sachets can be packed with food goods during transit. By absorbing ethylene, the sachets can reduce decay and dehydration, extending the shelf life of the fresh produce. Ethylene absorber sachets are made for long-distance delivery and preservation, so shippers may carry and store fresh food without worrying about deterioration and early ripening.

Machine

The very effective ethylene machines are intended for small to medium-sized cold storage areas that store fruits like berries, kiwis, and flowers. Ethylene emissions from the goods are drastically reduced in cold storage facilities for preserving perishable commodities at supermarkets and cold chain storage locations using ethylene machines. Producers and retailers can provide clients with fresh, high-quality products by using this machine.

Pads

Ethylene absorber pads are designed to assist berry picking and packing operations. Farmers and pickers are given places with an in-built filter that can be inserted into punnets and packaging boxes.

Conclusion

Perishable goods (including fruits, vegetables, and flowers) are typically sensitive to ethylene gas, which can cause them to ripen or mature more quickly when exposed to it. The best way to stop or delay the deterioration of these fresh goods’ quality, freshness, and shelf life is by using ethylene absorbers.