Fresh Food Transportation
The Problem of Food Waste during Transportation
One of the challenges with distributing and delivering perishable foods in the increasingly global food market is that 30 percent of the food produced is ultimately wasted. The presence of bacteria and the plant hormone ethylene are major contributors to food spoilage during the refrigerated transportation of fresh fruit and vegetables. Pathogens circulating within the reefer environment make the food potentially unsafe and contribute to spoilage and rot. Ethylene accelerates the ripening process and shortens shelf life.
The Fresher, Safer Food Transportation Solution
Somnio Global has developed the Plasma Scrub technology as a device that continuously eliminates bacteria and ethylene inside standard reefers by utilizing Somnio’s patented Free Radical Generation Technology. By controlling ethylene levels, Plasma Scrub controls the ripening of the produce, ensuring optimum quality and freshness. Additionally, the continuous reduction of bacteria levels improves the safety of the food being transported. The system can function in both CA and non-CA environments.
Market Potential
The annual global volume of perishable commodities that use refrigerated containers (also known as reefers) for transportation will reach 3 billion tons by 2020, growing more than six percent annually and exceeding a value of U.S. $500 billion per year. A two percent reduction in the level of wasted seaborne perishables would equal an annual value of U.S. $2 billion. Plasma Scrub will initially target the seaborne fresh fruit and vegetable segment of the market where its competitive advantage is strongest.
Value Proposition
Plasma Scrub is an easy to use, chemical-free, rugged and energy efficient system for extending the shelf life of food transported in refrigerated containers. Ripening rates are controlled, spoilage levels are reduced and the produce is safer because ethylene levels are continuously controlled and harmful airborne pathogens are destroyed. Constant monitoring also helps protect produce in the event the temperature control fails, automatically adjusting output in response. The Plasma Scrub system easily integrates with existing container architecture, making it a plug-and-play solution.
