CO2 Technologies ~ Perishable Food and Floral Preservation Technology ~ CO2 ~ Carbon Dioxide

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CO2 Technologies^™
10625 Justin Drive
Urbandale, Iowa 50322

Phone: 515-223-3838

Fax: 515-223-7171

Toll Free:
888-436-8322

E-mail

Produce Products ~ Request Info / Order ~ Produce Brochure1,186KB PDF

Delivering mold-free quality strawberries...

. . . from the field to the fork!

Is the goal of the grower, the shipper, and food service and retail outlets.

Carbon Dioxide and Strawberries

For more than 25 years, the industry has been using carbon dioxide (CO₂) to control the growth of botrytis (gray mold) not only on strawberries but also on raspberries and blackberries. Carbon dioxide is an anti-microbial gas, and it has been proven to be an effective inhibitor to the growth of bacteria.

CO2 Technologies offers a new delivery system that will not only inhibit the growth of bacteria, but will deliver a more wholesome berry with a longer shelf life for the retailer and consumer.

How do we differ from the "25-year-old system?"

We deliver the precise amount of CO₂ required on a continuous basis with a CO₂ vapor that keeps the surface of the berries smooth and bright, yet with enough carbon dioxide in the bag to control the growth of botrytis. This is done with a computer calculation of the head space of the pallet and the gas release required.

The original 25-year-old system for subjecting pallets of berries to CO₂ uses a tank of CO₂ which subjects the berries to a very dry, low temperature gas that dehydrates the surface of the berries.

To prove the effectiveness and benefits of the new CO₂ delivery system, we accepted a challenge from the company of the old, original system to do a comparative test. They spelled out the protocol for the test. It was a three-shipment test to a Midwest retailer.

Results
Discarded Berries
CO2 Technologies 0.45%
Tectrol 0.65% (44% higher!)

Berries requiring trimming for wet spots
CO2 Technologies 5.5%
Tectrol 6.5% (18% higher!)

	CO2 Pulp Temperatures	Tectrol Pulp Temperatures
Top	38.8^o	39.6^o
Middle	41.4^o	42.2^o
Bottom	41.1^o	42.9^o

CO2 Technologies as an Aid to Refrigeration

When perishable products are exposed to warm temperatures, the deterioration and spoilage starts immediately. A truck refrigeration system must have sufficient capacity to remove heat generated by residual heat, exterior heat, infiltration heat, excess heat, and heat of respiration. Our CO2 System has heat absorption characteristics that act as an aid to refrigeration systems which helps to assure that the product does not get abused by the cold chain. Carbon Dioxide absorbs 60% more heat than ice, and the CO2 "Open Bag" system helps to modify the inside of the trailer with heat-absorbing molecules of carbon dioxide. Strawberry pulp temperatures will be lower with the CO2 concept vs. the "old system" assuming the temperatures were the same when loaded.

Benefits to the Industry:

The new CO2 System requires less handling by the shipper during the "gas Process", which results in fewer rejects because of bruising.

The berries will arrive at the distributor or retail warehouse with a firmer, brighter appearance because of our gas vapor approach (versus the harsh, low temperature, dry gas applied by the old system).

Consumers buy fresh food with their eyes. The berries will look better and sales will increase.

Shrink loss due to berry spoilage before being sold will go down. It is a win-win for the grower, shipper, retailer, and consumer.

AND: This new technology, with its benefits to the industry, is available at no increase in cost.

Produce Products ~ Request Info / Order ~ Produce Brochure1,186KB PDF