Reduce Ethylene Gas In Fruits & Vegetables

Ethylene gas is a natural plant hormone that is crucial to the ripening process of fruits and vegetables. In commercial processes, ethylene gas can be produced in high concentrations, which can lead to premature aging of fruits and vegetables. The AirROS system provides an effective solution to reduce the amount of ethylene gas produced during the ripening process. Let’s take a look at what ethylene gas is, what it does to fruits and vegetables, and how AirROS can help reduce this gas.

What is Ethylene Gas?

Ethylene gas (C2H4) is an organic compound known as an unsaturated hydrocarbon. It is considered a plant hormone because it not only affects the ripening of fruits but also helps regulate other plant growth processes as well. Among other things, it helps control germination, flowering, fruiting, leaf abscission, senescence (aging), and dormancy.

What Does Ethylene Gas Do To Fruits And Vegetables?

In commercial processes, ethylene gas accumulates in high concentrations due to the natural production of the gas by the fruit itself. This leads to faster aging of fruits and vegetables than would occur naturally. There are several effects that can be seen in fruits exposed to excessive amounts of ethylene gas including softening of fruit flesh, changes in coloration (yellowing), increased sugar content (sweetness), increased respiration rate (ripening), decreased shelf life, reduced market appeal due to bruising or discoloration and malformation of seeds or produce parts.

In Packing & Processing Areas

Using air purification to reduce ethylene gas in packing and processing areas is an effective way to keep spoilage of perishable items to a minimum. Ethylene gas can cause undesirable effects such as accelerated ripening and expiration dates; this is why the ambient ethylene levels must be kept very low in these areas. Commercial AirROS Air & Surface purification works by using ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) as a scrubber by scrubbing ethylene gas at reduced significantly low levels.  This not only keeps products from spoiling faster, it also makes it possible for produce to extend its shelf life for longer periods of time. By reducing ethylene gas with AirROS commercial air purification, companies remain competitive in their industry without having to worry about diminishing returns due to items reaching their expiration dates prematurely.

Ethylene Gas In Cold Storage & Warehouse

Ethylene gas is naturally produced by fruits as part of the ripening process, and when stored in proximity, can cause premature ripening of the fruit. Fortunately, AirROS commercial air purification systems have been developed to reduce ethylene levels in commercial cold storage facilities and warehouses, helping to keep fruit fresher for longer.

Ethylene Gas In Transportation

The use of AirROS commercial air purification in transportation for keeping fruit can be highly beneficial in reducing ethylene gas, an odorless chemical which causes ripening or spoilage. Not only will ethylene gas be reduced through the use of an AirROS commercial air purifier, but other environmental contaminants such as viruses, mold and bacteria will also be eliminated. By reducing ethylene gas levels while transporting fruit, it becomes possible to extend shelf life and reduce losses due to spoilage. Additionally, ethylene gas reduction contributes to a healthier transport environment for workers and customers alike.

How Does AirROS Help Reduce Ethylene Gas?

AirROS is an innovative commercial air purification system designed specifically for use in food processing plants and warehouses where ethylene gas accumulations typically occur due to fruit ripening processes.

Phase 1- Primary Air Cleaning

Placed within your room’s airflow, air from the environment containing microorganisms enters the purifier’s internal chamber. The reaction chamber creates non-thermal plasma and generates ROS. ROS are comprised of 5 short-lived, highly Reactive Oxygen Species:

• Atomic oxygen O(3P)
• Singlet oxygen ₁O₂
• Hydroxyl radical .OH
• Superoxide O_2-
• Peroxynitrite ONOO-

These break down carbon-to-carbon bonds that sanitize the air and destroy all bacteria, molds, viruses, and other pathogens as they pass through the reaction chamber.

Phase 2- Secondary Surface & Air Cleaning

Provides Surface sanitation and continued Air sanitation. The purified air now diffused into the environment contains longer-lived Reactive Oxygen Species:

• Gas-phased H₂O₂ (GpHP) or dry hydrogen peroxide
• Low concentration levels of O₃ ozone

These combine and create Hydrogen Trioxide (H₂O₃) an Active Antimicrobial formed through the peroxone process. This H₂O₃ is very effective at sanitizing the surfaces and air 24/7.