BeFresh

BeFresh is an ethylene absorber that removes ethylene — the hormone plants produce naturally, which accelerates respiration, transpiration, ripening and senescence in fresh produce and cut flowers. Removing ethylene during post-harvest handling extends the life of fresh produce, reduces physiological change and lowers post-harvest disease.

How does BeFresh extend product life, and why remove ethylene from packaging?

• BeFresh slows respiration (the consumption of stored food), transpiration (the loss of stored water), ripening (physiological change) and senescence (death) in fresh produce and flowers — preserving freshness and quality, and extending the life of produce and cut flowers.
• BeFresh slows chemical and physiological changes in fruit and vegetables: it reduces the breakdown of chlorophyll and chloroplasts, the conversion of starch and other carbohydrates into sugars, the loss of vitamin C, and changes in pectin compounds. It also reduces membrane degradation and cell-wall softening, which would otherwise leave produce vulnerable to physical damage during storage or transport.
• BeFresh slows physical changes in fruit and vegetables — size, weight and firmness — and reduces the loss of cell turgor.
• BeFresh slows the onset of post-harvest disease.
• By slowing ripening, BeFresh reduces quality loss from physical forces during storage and transport — for example impact bruising, which accelerates enzymatic browning reactions.
• BeFresh preserves the freshness of ethylene-sensitive produce, especially when items are stored together in one box or cold room. Even if a particular item does not produce ethylene itself, once some fruit begins producing it, that triggers greater ethylene production nearby — harming the whole box or the whole cold room.

Benefits of using BeFresh

• Preserves freshness, quality and shelf life
• Allows ripening-inhibitor chemicals to be left out, for health-conscious consumers
• Opens wider markets, creating opportunities and expanding sales channels
• Reduces product returns and strengthens brand image
• Makes production planning and inventory control easier
• Preserves seasonal raw materials so production and distribution can run all year round
• Helps reduce food loss and waste

Usage recommendations

• Choose the BeFresh size that suits your produce and packaging.
• Place BeFresh in the box or package together with the fresh produce or flowers.
• Please contact our technical sales team for advice and technical information on using BeFresh.