Blog > How To Use Ethylene Absorber Packets?

March 26, 2024, 5 min read,

How To Use Ethylene Absorber Packets?

Ethylene absorber packets are crucial in fruit ripening, triggering changes like starch breakdown and flavor development. Ethylene absorbent formulas use substances like potassium permanganate to remove ethylene gas and extend the shelf life of produce. Commonly packed with ethylene absorbers are apples, bananas, tomatoes, avocados, and stone fruits to maintain freshness during storage and transportation.

What is ethylene?

Ethylene, in the context of fruits, is a natural plant hormone that plays a crucial role in the ripening process. Fruits like bananas, apples, and tomatoes produce ethylene gas as they ripen. This gas acts as a signaling molecule that triggers various physiological and biochemical changes in the fruit, leading to ripening. When a fruit is exposed to ethylene, it can accelerate the ripening process by promoting the breakdown of starches into sugars, softening of the fruit's texture, and development of characteristic flavors and aromas.

Ethylene also influences the color changes in fruits, such as the transition from green to yellow in bananas. Additionally, ethylene is used in the food industry to artificially ripen fruits before they reach the market. By controlling the exposure of fruits to ethylene gas, producers can ensure a consistent level of ripeness and quality for consumers.

What is in ethylene absorber packets?

Ethylene absorber packets contain a special composition mixture of potassium permanganate. These packets are designed to selectively absorb ethylene molecules produced by fresh produce, preventing the ethylene gas from accelerating the ripening process, which in turn reduces spoilage and microbial damage.

Additionally, these packets also absorb excess moisture within the packaging, inhibiting microbial growth and extending the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The ethylene absorber packets work by attracting ethylene gas towards the minerals in the sachet, where it gets oxidized into water and carbon dioxide. This process helps maintain a bacteria-free environment and preserves the freshness and quality of packed fresh produce effectively.

Ethylene absorbent formula

An ethylene absorbent formula typically consists of substances that can effectively remove ethylene gas from the surrounding environment. These formulas are commonly used in storage facilities, shipping containers, and refrigerators to extend shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and flowers by slowing down the ripening process.

One common ingredient in ethylene absorbent formulas is potassium permanganate, which reacts with ethylene gas to break it down into harmless byproducts. Other substances like activated carbon or zeolite may also be used to absorb and trap ethylene molecules. The specific composition of an ethylene absorbent formula may vary depending on the intended application and effectiveness required. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these formulas to ensure optimal performance in preserving the freshness of perishable goods.

Common fresh produce packed with ethylene absorbers

Fresh produce that are commonly packed with ethylene absorbers include:

1. Apples: Apples are known to produce high levels of ethylene gas, which can accelerate the ripening process of other fruits and vegetables stored nearby. Using ethylene absorber packets can help extend the shelf life of apples and other produce in the vicinity.

2. Bananas: Bananas are another fruit that releases ethylene gas as they ripen. By using ethylene absorber for banana in the packaging or storage of bananas, it is possible to slow down the ripening process and prevent premature spoilage.

3. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are sensitive to ethylene gas and can ripen quickly when exposed to high levels of this hormone. Ethylene absorber packets can help maintain the freshness of tomatoes and extend their shelf life.

4. Avocados: Avocados are also susceptible to ethylene-induced ripening. Using ethylene absorber sachets when packaging or storing avocados can help prevent over-ripening and extend their storage life.

5. Stone fruits (e.g., peaches, plums, and cherries): Stone fruits are known to be ethylene producers and can benefit from the use of ethylene absorbers to maintain their quality and freshness during storage and transportation.

These are just a few examples of fresh produce that are commonly packed with ethylene absorbers to prolong their shelf life and maintain their quality during storage and transportation.

ethylene absorber packets

All Forms of Ethylene Absorbers

Various forms of ethylene absorbers are utilized in the food industry to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. Common types of ethylene absorbers include:

Ethylene Absorber Packets

These small ethylene packets or sachets contain ethylene-absorbing materials like potassium permanganate or activated carbon. Placed inside packaging boxes or containers, they absorb ethylene gas to slow down the ripening process of fruits and vegetables.

Ethylene absorber sheets

These thin sheets or pads are infused with ethylene-absorbing compounds. They can be directly placed in crates, pallets, or shipping containers to help preserve Freshness fruits and vegetables during transportation and storage.

Ethylene Absorber Filters

These filters or cartridges contain ethylene-absorbing materials and can be installed in refrigeration units or storage facilities to eliminate ethylene gas from the air surrounding the produce.

Ethylene Absorber Labels

These adhesive labels or tags are coated with ethylene-absorbing substances. When attached to packaging or storage containers, they aid in reducing ethylene levels and extending the shelf life of fresh produce.

Films

These plastic films or wraps are embedded with ethylene-absorbing agents. They are used to wrap individual fruits or vegetables, slowing down the ripening process and preventing premature spoilage.

Ethylene absorber packets uses

Ethylene absorbent packets play a crucial role in preserving the freshness and prolonging the shelf life of various agricultural products. Ethylene packets and filters are commonly used in the food industry, particularly for fruits and vegetables, as they effectively delay the ripening process.

Additionally, ethylene absorbents are beneficial for horticulture, including flowers, plants, and seeds, as they prevent premature wilting and decay. They are also widely adopted in the transportation and storage of fruit and vegetables, both domestically and internationally, to preserve the organoleptic qualities of the goods and comply with quality regulations.

How to use ethylene absorber packets?

Ethylene absorber packets can be easily placed with fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers to safeguard and extend the shelf life of these perishable items. These packets are equipped with ethylene absorbers enclosed in a breathable membrane, ensuring optimal performance even in environments with high humidity levels. Offered in different gram sizes including 3, 5, 7, and 10 grams, Vitaguard ethylene absorber can be customized to suit the requirements of customers and the volume of goods.

Ethylene absorber packets price

Ethylene Absorbent packets are available for purchase in person or online ordering. Contact our experts in Vitaguard to place an order and receive the necessary guidance and price of ethylene packets.

Review of banana green life throughout the food chain: From auto-catalytic induction to the optimisation of shipping and storage conditions

Bananas are the fourth most consumed product globally, with approximately 50 billion tons of Cavendish bananas produced each year (FAO, 2018). Since bananas are not grown in Europe, they need to be imported from production sites mainly located in Central and Latin America, as well as West and Central Africa. To ensure optimal ripening, bananas are harvested green and ripened in market areas. Allowing bananas to ripen on the tree can result in splitting and a mealy texture. The period after harvesting, known as the pre-climacteric period or "green life," is crucial for importers and ripeness because bananas are transported before ripening. During this period, mature green fruit have a low basal respiration rate and minimal ethylene production. The length of the pre-climacteric period is influenced by factors such as temperature, relative humidity, and surrounding ethylene concentration. Once the fruit enters the climacteric stage, there is a rapid increase in respiration and ethylene production, marking the onset of ripening in bananas and other climacteric fruits.

Packaging Technologies for Banana and Banana Products

Bananas are sold in various forms to cater to different consumer demands. These include bunches, individual fruits with or without packaging. With the rise of health awareness and convenience, the production and sales of bananas have increased in recent years. When selling bananas, ripening stages are crucial. Most stores carry ripe yellow bananas, which are ready for consumption.

Ethylene Absorber For Banana

Harnessing the power of ethylene absorber for banana to preserve the natural beauty and flavor of bananas. these absorbers are the secret to prolonging the golden perfection of your favorite fruit

Food Quality Deterioration and the Role of Oxygen Absorbers

Food quality deterioration, food waste, and loss of nutritional value are major concerns that arise due to various factors. For instance, old and stale potato chips, dark spots or discoloration on avocados, and unpleasant taste in cooking oils can contribute to these issues. Similarly, ground coffee may lose its freshness and taste stale, while freshly cut fruits such as apples, bananas, and pears may experience browning or discoloration. Nuts and seeds may also develop a bitter taste and pungent smell. Additionally, herbs, spices, packaged meats (e.g., deli meats, sausages), and bakery products (e.g., bread, cakes, pastries) may lose their flavor, become rancid, discolored, stale, dry or lose their freshness. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter may develop a sour or bland taste, while packaged fruits and vegetables are prone to spoilage.

Fresh fruits and vegetables by using ethylene absorber sachets

Ethylene absorber sachets offer an efficient solution for freshness fruits and vegetables. These packets contain materials that absorb ethylene gas. By neutralizing ethylene, the sachets help preserve produce quality during storage and transport.

How to Extend Shelf Life of Fruits and Vegetables?

Extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables is a common goal for many households and businesses looking to reduce food waste and maximize the freshness of their produce. Proper storage techniques, such as controlling temperature and humidity levels, can significantly impact the longevity of fruits and vegetables. In this article, we will talk about the best way to increase the fruits and vegetables shelf life

Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4) in Relation to Temperatures Alters Shelf Life and Quality of Banana (Musa paradisiaca L.)

Banana is an important fruit in Pakistan, especially for rural villages as it is available throughout the year and is rich in vitamins and minerals. However, due to its patchy production area among farmers' lands and regions, postharvest loss is high, ranging from 20-30%. Banana is a climacteric fruit and easily deteriorates after harvesting, which reduces its storage ability under normal conditions. To enhance the quality of bananas, postharvest treatments are crucial. Research has shown that using potassium permanganate (KMnO4) as an ethylene absorber is more effective than commercially available ethylene binders such as CaO and CaCl2. KMnO4 significantly inhibits banana yellowing, maintains flavor for up to 15 days under ambient temperature (28°C), and prolongs the shelf life of the fruit for up to 45 days at 13°C. However, more research needs to be conducted to increase the storage period of bananas.