Fruit and vegetable sector - Introduction

The AiroCide™ is a patented technology that reduces airborne mould spores and ethylene, extending the shelf life of fresh fruit, cut flowers and vegetables. It also reduces levels of contamination in food production and packaging facilities.

It works by combining the effects of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). It is NOT a filter, and produces NO OZONE.

Mould is one of the major causes of spoilage in both the fresh fruit and vegetable sector and the cut flower market. It also has major implications in food production facilities, particularly dairy foods.

Common moulds such as Oidium (mildew), Aspergillus and Penicillium cause tonnes of produce to be wasted every day, cutting into margins and reducing profitability.

The role of ethylene in the spoilage of fresh produce is well documented. All plant tissues produce this hydrocarbon, and whilst it is one of the simplest organic compounds it has a significant effect on the ripening and ageing processes of perishable produce.

The effects cause increased ripening and reduced bloom time – decreasing shelf life, and costing millions in lost revenue to the industry.

The AiroCide™ can eliminate both of these problems at once.

   1    Extends shelf life of fresh fruit, cut flowers and vegetables
   2    Preserves fresh produce in warehouse, transport or supermarket
   3    Reduces levels of mould and ethylene, the two biggest airborne dangers to
         perishable preservation
   4    Once reduced, continuous operation of the system maintains low levels of mould,
         ethylene and other micro-organisms
   5    If the system is turned off, studies have shown the levels of both airborne organisms
         and ethylene tend to increase
   6    The system is not a filter, requires no filter changes or cleaning, and only minimal
         maintenance
   7    Does not produce ozone - no health risk
   8    Does not require heating or cooling the in-process air - energy-efficient in operation
   9    Easy installation (“plug and play”)
   10  Three system sizes, for use in transport, storage or shop
   11  Cost effective mould spore and ethylene removal
   12  Reduction of odours in fish and meat produce areas