Our Indian counterpart, FRESHLIFE, INDIA is proud to launch our new patent pending CA FRESH Ripening rooms, which allow users/customers the option to naturally ripen multiple commodities simultaneously using our chambers (specifically designed for our Indian customers).

For an in-depth presentation and product info please visit the following link:

FRESHCA NATURAL RIPENING ROOMS

OBJECTIVE: The objective of these trials was to demonstrate the effectiveness of CA FILMS in extending the shelf life of a variety of commodities, including cut flowers, and other fruits and vegetables.

STORAGE PROTOCOL(s): At ambient (25-30 °C (77° to 86° F)) and at colder storage temperatures (4-8°C (39° to 46 °F) at the ROCL facility

PACKAGING PROTOCOL: CA FILMS based packaging protocol and Control were used for each temperature protocol.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS: CA FILMS based packaging allows us to extend the shelf life of various commodities including highly perishable cut flowers to 5+ days even at ambient temperatures of up to 25°C. Shelf life of tomato at ambient extended to 14 days and of capsicum to 19 days.

Detailed trial reports are available on this link.

These trials were conducted at Adani for demonstrating shelf life extension of apples stored at ambient temperatures of 37 C (98 F).

For apples:

Optimum Temperature 0°C ± 1°C (32°F ± 2°F); Freezing temperature: -1.7°C (29°F)

Optimum Relative Humidity 90-95% RH

However, Adani, due to lack of availability of cold chain, was exploring the ability of CA FILMS to move apples at ambient temperatures of up to 37 C.

OBJECTIVE: To Analyze the Shelf life extension of apples, during simulated transit periods of 2+ weeks.

STORAGE PROTOCOL: A chamber was used, with the average temperature inside the chamber maintained at an average of 37°C (98.6 °F)

PACKAGING PROTOCOL: Different Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) based packaging was used for this shelf life extension trial. APPLE VARIETY: SHIMLA AND KINNOUR Protocol 1: CA FILMS based packaging Protocol 1 a: CA FILMS based packaging – Yellow – (10 KGS) Protocol 1 b: CA FILMS based packaging – Blue – (10 KGS) Protocol 1 c: CA FILMS based packaging – Yellow – (20 KGS) Protocol 1 d: CA FILMS based packaging – Blue – (20 KGS) Protocol 2: Control Protocol 3: Apples stored in Controlled Atmosphere chambers, were used for base lining quality standards.

See Report here.

For more information on CA FILMS technology, please visit our website at www.chandraassociates.com

Chandra Associates conducted another set of trials at International Horticulture Training Center (IHITC), Jaipur, India. These shelf life extension trials was conducted on a variety of fruits, vegetables and cut flowers at ambient temperatures ranging between 12-20 C. The objective of these trials is to demonstrate the ability of CA FILMS in extending the shelf life of produce even without a cold chain.

Program Objective (Capsicum):

To maintain quality and freshness of capsicum stored at 12°C (55 °F) To prove that designs with CA Film generate a shelf life greater than that of design without films (control in air)

Designs Tested: PROTOCOL A – CA Film based packaging PROTOCOL B – Control packaging without CA Film

Shelf testing was conducted on Capsicum (bell pepper) and a variety of cut flowers, including First Red Roses and Gerbera. See Report for Bell Pepper/Capsicum.

Other reports would be posted as they become available.

These trials were conducted at Adani for demonstrating shelf life extension of apples stored at ambient temperatures of 31 C.

For apples:

Optimum Temperature 0°C ± 1°C (32°F ± 2°F); Freezing temperature: -1.7°C (29°F)

Optimum Relative Humidity 90-95% RH

However, Adani, due to lack of availability of cold chain, was exploring the ability of CA FILMS to move apples at ambient temperatures of up to 31 C.

OBJECTIVE: To Analyze the Shelf life extension of apples, during simulated transit periods of up to 3 weeks.

STORAGE PROTOCOL: A chamber was used, with the average temperature inside the chamber maintained at an average of 31°C (87.8 °F)

PACKAGING PROTOCOL: Different Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) based packaging was used for this shelf life extension trial.

Protocol 1: CA FILMS based packaging

Protocol 1 a: CA FILMS based packaging – Yellow – 1 sq in. area

Protocol 1 b: CA FILMS based packaging – Blue – 2.25 sq in. area

Protocol 1 c: CA FILMS based packaging – Green – 4 sq in. area

Protocol 2: Control

Protocol 5: Apples stored in Controlled Atmosphere chambers, were used for base lining quality standards.

See report for trial results.

Shelf testing on Chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.) packaged at Zakinl farms, was conducted, and the shelf life extensions achieved and the product losses  were documented. This report was documented with the following objectives.

Program Objective: 1. To maintain quality and freshness of Chives 2. To prove that designs with CA Film generate a shelf life greater than that of design without films (control in air) 3. To prove an end-to-end solution can be provided from farm to fork using CA FILMS based packaging

Research Available:

Quality Characteristics and Criteria: Herbs should appear fresh and green, with no yellowing, decay, insect damage or mechanical damage. Leaves should be uniform in size. Flavor and aroma should be strong and characteristic of the herb.

Horticultural Maturity Indices: Most herbs for fresh culinary use are best if harvested before flowering. Exceptions are marjoram and oregano (sometimes sold with flower buds) and chive blossoms (sometimes used in salads or as edible garnishes).

Grades, Sizes and Packaging: There are no market grades or sizes for fresh herbs. They are bunched and tied with twist-ties or rubber bands, packaged in plastic bags or clamshell containers, and then packed in corrugated cartons. Perforated polyethylene liners should be used.

Pre-cooling Conditions: Should be cooled to just above 0 °C (32 °F) immediately after harvest.

Two storage temperature protocols were used:

Ambient Protocol Temperature: 30 ° C (86°F)

Cold Chain Protocol Temperature: 6 °C (44 °F)

We have documented shelf life extensions for both these temperature protocols. CA FILMS have allowed us to reduce yellowing and severance of ethylene sensitivity. See Shelf life extension test report.

Shelf testing on bananas packaged at farms was conducted, and the shelf life extensions achieved and the product losses from farm to retail were documented. This report was documented with the following objectives.

Program Objective: 1. To maintain quality and freshness of Bananas from TATA KHETSE farms to retail stores 2. To prove that designs with CA Film generate a shelf life greater than that of design without films (control in air) 3. To prove an end-to-end solution can be provided from farm to fork using CA FILMS based packaging 4. To demonstrate CA FILMS will lead to reduction in post harvest banana losses from farms to retail stores.

We have documented at least 39% post harvest losses from farm to retail stores without CA FILMS packaging and 6% post harvest losses from farm to retail stores with CA FILMS packaging. See Shelf life extension test report.

Shelf life extensions using CA FILMS based packaging for a variety of fruits, vegetables planned at RELIANCE FRESH, New Delhi, India.

1. The trials are divided in 2 phases:

• PHASE I – Bulk packs to be created and tested at the mandi itself……starting from 14th july
• PHASE II – Retail packs to be created at the store and tested at the store…..starting from 18th july

2. For each item (in each Phase), there shall be 3 samples:

• Bag 1 – Designed for OPTIMUM SHELF LIFE EXTENSION
• Bag 2 – Designed for MAXIMUM SHELF LIFE EXTENSION
• Control – Unpacked, lying in open crate.

3. The following parameters shall be observed and recorded, for both control and the 2 CA film-packed samples :

• Date
• Time
• Weight
• Product Loss

From these observations the following shall be derived:

• % moisture loss
• shelf life extension achieved w.r.t. control

PHASE 1 Report are available here.

Shelf life extensions using CA FILMS based packaging for a variety of fruits, vegetables completed at EASYDAY, New Delhi, India.

See test report.

Shelf life extensions using CA FILMS based packaging for a variety of fruits, vegetables completed at SPENCER, New Delhi, India.

Shelf Extension trials were conducted on cauliflower, mango, okra, french beans and broccoli. See test report.