RipeLocker’s containers are produced using an injection mold, designed for reuse within the existing cold chain.

“We were extremely pleased with the quality of the blueberries that had been stored in RipeLocker containers for eight weeks. They looked like they came right out of the field,”

said Jeff Weijohn, owner of Blueberry Hill. If the company decides to adopt the technology, it expects to be able to use each container four to five times each season.

Reusability is not the only element of RipeLocker’s containers that lends itself to sustainability. The product’s capacity to slow the decaying process, reducing the amount of produce that needs to be discarded due to decay while in storage. A reduction in food waste means less need (and subsequent use of resources) to produce additional crops. The containers enable produce and flower growers to ship via land or ocean instead of relying on air freight – resulting in, according to RipeLock, 44 times fewer carbon emissions. Lastly, RipeLocker containers enable bulk shipments, so the packaging can be reduced with larger product increments.

The technology behind the containers

RipeLocker containers manage the atmospheric pressure, humidity, and gas composition (oxygen and CO2) within the vessel to extend the life of fresh produce and flowers. Suppressing pathogen growth, considerably less decay will occur during storage – and RipeLocker containers can also provide the vehicle for delivering organic fungicide vapors to kill the pathogen.

Based on the specific needs of each type of fresh produce or flower, RipeLocker tailors operating parameters, such as internal pressure, oxygen, and CO2 levels to optimize longevity and freshness. The system responds to changes in the storage or shipping environment, making automatic precise adjustments to prevent damage and reduce decay.

Not just for blueberries

RipeLocker has proven its storage method for a variety of applications in partnership with major growers and agricultural universities:

• Pomegranates: After five months in storage, pomegranates held in RipeLocker containers remained in prime condition. Inspection comparisons resulted in data indicating the fruits’ respiration rate was slowed by up to 50 percent. Implementation of a storage product like RipeLocker could extend the North American season.
• Papayas: In spite of being highly perishable, tree-ripe papaya held in RipeLocker containers lasted 30 days at peak quality, which could lead to slower transport being a viable option for shipments.
• Hops: Tests during the fall of 2020 resulted in fresh hops from CLS Farms maintaining fresh-picked quality six weeks later. With fresh hops selling at higher margins than dried varieties, hop dealers will be able to sell to markets that are further away in a way that was previously too costly.

The post RipeLocker Container Trial Shows Promising Storage Results for Blueberries appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.