Ethylene Absorbers for Refrigerators: A Key to Longer-Lasting Freshness

In the quest for better food preservation, the role of ethylene absorbers for refrigerators has gained significant attention. Ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone, accelerates the ripening and decay of fruits and vegetables, leading to premature spoilage and food waste.

Spoiled produce is a costly and an environmentally damaging problem. Approximately 30-40% of the United States food supply goes to waste, according to the Department of Agriculture. On a global scale, food waste is responsible for about 8 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, surpassing the emissions produced by the airline industry.

Ethylene absorbers offer a simple solution to combat this issue. It neutralises ethylene gas to prolong the shelf life of the produce. Ethylene absorbers are also suited for both domestic and corporate settings.

This article delves into the science behind ethylene absorption, the benefits of using ethylene absorbers in refrigerators, and alternative ways to use ethylene absorbers beyond refrigerators.

Understanding Ethylene Gas and Its Impact on Food Preservation

Ethylene gas (C2H4) is a colorless, odorless compound naturally produced by fruits, vegetables, and flowers. While ethylene is essential for ripening to achieve desired flavours and textures, its accumulation in enclosed spaces, like refrigerators, can accelerate the aging process of produce, leading to over-ripening, softening, and decay. This is particularly problematic in refrigerators, where various fruits and vegetables are stored together, creating an environment that encourages ethylene buildup.

Fruits and vegetables vary in ethylene production and sensitivity. While some fruits, like bananas and apples, are significant producers, others, such as leafy greens are highly susceptible to its effects. Similarly, cucumbers, carrots, and other vegetables may develop a bitter taste or become soft and mushy when exposed to excess ethylene gas.

How Ethylene Absorbers Work in Refrigerators

Ethylene absorption technology is designed to actively attract and neutralise ethylene gas and reduce its concentration in the refrigerator. This process not only helps to maintain the quality and freshness of fruits and vegetables but also reduces the spread of ethylene gas throughout the refrigerator, minimising cross-contamination and spoilage.

There are several types of ethylene absorbers available for refrigerators, each with its unique characteristics. Here is an overview of the main types:

• Ethylene Absorbing Balls or Spheres: These are round objects or spheres are filled with ethylene-absorbing materials. They are suitable to be placed in fruit bowls or vegetable crispers and need to be replaced once every 1-3 months.
• Ethylene Absorber Liner Mats or Pads: These absorbent liner mats or pads should be placed in produce drawers or at the base of a box or trays where fruits or vegetables are stored. The liner mats or pads require replacement once every 3-6 months.
• Ethylene Absorber Packets or Sachets: These are small and disposable pouches that contain ethylene-absorbing materials. They are suitable to be placed in drawers or fruit bowls and need to be replaced once every 1-3 months. Ethylene Absorber Packets are also commonly found in supermarkets and grocery stores.
• Ethylene Absorber Sheets: Larger than packets, these sheets are often used in commercial settings or for larger refrigerators. They provide a broader surface area for ethylene absorption.
• Ethylene Absorber Machines: These are more advanced and are typically used in commercial settings like supermarkets or large-scale storage facilities. They use more complex technology to actively remove ethylene gas from the environment. The machines may require little to no maintenance beyond periodic cleaning.

Each type of Ethylene Absorber has its own advantage in terms of placement, longevity, and user preference. It is important to note that the effectiveness of these absorbers can vary based on factors such as the size of the refrigerator, the ventilation available, the amount of produce stored, and the specific type of absorber used.

Benefits of Using Ethylene Absorbers in Refrigerators

The use of ethylene absorbers in refrigerators offers a range of benefits that contribute to food preservation and reduced food waste. These benefits include:

1. Extended Shelf Life: Ethylene absorbers significantly extend the life of produce by neutralizing ethylene gas.  This allows fruits and vegetables to maintain freshness for longer periods and reduce food waste. This is ideal for households that purchase produce in bulk or for individuals who seek to reduce the frequency of grocery shopping.
2. Maintains Nutritional Value: Fresh produce begins to lose its nutritional value once it starts to ripen and decay. Ethylene absorbers help to preserve the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables, ensuring you enjoy the full benefits of the fresh produce.
3. Improved Flavor and Texture: Ethylene absorbers preserve the desired flavour and texture of fruits and vegetables. For example, they can keep apples crisp and prevent bananas from becoming too soft and mushy.
4. Enhanced Food Safety: By reducing the risk of mold and bacterial growth associated with spoiled produce, ethylene absorbers contribute to a safer food storage environment. This is particularly important for households with young children, the elderly, or individuals with compromised immune systems.
5. Reduced Food Waste: Spoiled produce is a major contributor to food waste, both at the household and commercial levels. Ethylene absorbers combat food waste by extending the shelf life of produce. By reducing the amount of food that ends up in the trash, they contribute to both cost savings and environmental sustainability.

Choosing the Best Ethylene Absorber for Refrigerators

When selecting the best ethylene absorber for your refrigerator, several factors should be considered to ensure optimal performance and cost-efficiency. These factors include:

1. Absorption Capacity: The effectiveness of an ethylene absorber hinges on its absorption capacity. The more ethylene it can absorb, the longer it can maintain the freshness of the produce. specified period. High-capacity absorbers are ideal for households that store large quantities of produce or for commercial refrigeration systems.
2. Longevity: The lifespan of an ethylene absorber depends on its type and the amount of produce stored in the refrigerator. Some absorbers can last several weeks, while others require more frequent replacement. It is important to choose an absorber with a lifespan that matches your usage.
3. Ease of Use: Ethylene absorbers are available in different formats, including sachets, pouches, and built-in devices. Choose an absorber that is easy to install and replace, with minimal maintenance requirements.
4. Compatibility with Your Refrigerator: Not all ethylene absorbers are universally compatible with all models of refrigerators. Ensure that the absorber chosen is compatible with your refrigerator and can be placed in the appropriate compartments for optimal performance.
5. Environmental Impact: Prioritise the environmental impact of the ethylene absorber during selection. Consider the materials used and the disposal process. Choose absorbers that are made from eco-friendly materials and can be safely disposed of or recycled.

Alternative Ways to Utilise Ethylene Absorbers

Innovative ways to utilise ethylene absorbers for food preservation extend beyond simply placing them in refrigerators or storage areas. Here are some creative approaches:

• Smart Storage Containers: Integrating ethylene absorbers into food storage containers or bags containing fruits or vegetables, is an alternative way to preserve freshness. By incorporating ethylene-absorbing sachets or materials directly into storage containers or produce bags, the shelf life of the contents can be significantly extended.
• Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP): In commercial settings, combining ethylene absorbers with Modified Atmosphere Packaging creates a powerful preservation system. MAP reduces oxygen and increases carbon dioxide levels to slow ripening, while ethylene absorbers eliminate the ripening hormone, extending the product life even further.
• Ethylene Absorbers in Delivery Vehicles: For businesses that transport perishable goods, placing ethylene absorbers in delivery trucks or shipping containers can help maintain the freshness of produce during transit. This method is particularly useful for long-distance shipments where temperature control alone may not be sufficient to prevent spoilage.
• Integrated Solutions in Retail Displays: Retailers can enhance product freshness by placing ethylene absorbers into product displays. By embedding ethylene-absorbing materials into the shelves or using ethylene-absorbing sheets under produce, retailers can reduce spoilage and improve the overall quality of the products.

Conclusion

Ethylene absorbers are essential for preserving food freshness. The absorbers effectively attract, absorb and neutralise ethylene gas, a key contributor in the ripening and spoilage of fresh produce. By slowing down the ripening process, the ethylene absorbers extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, maintain their nutritional value, and reduce food waste.

At Stream Peak International, we offer a comprehensive range of ethylene absorbers and machines to extend the shelf life of perishable goods. Our products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest industry standards for efficiency and performance. Connect with our engineers to explore the ideal solution for your requirements.