WO2019215764A1

WO2019215764A1 - Shelf-life extending sachets for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers and a process for preparation thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2019215764A1
Application number: PCT/IN2019/050377
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sidharth Sareen; Mukul Sareen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-05-11
Filing date: 2019-05-10
Publication date: 2019-11-14
Anticipated expiration: 2020-11-11

Abstract

This invention relates to shelf-life extending sachet for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. The sachet is made of a permeable membrane filled with atleast one chemical selected from Ethylene adsorbers, Ethylene oxidizers, Carbon dioxide releasers, Oxygen absorbers or reducers, Microbial/Bio inhibitors, Moisture absorbers or Moisture Releasers, wherein each of the chemicals provides a specific functionality to the sachet. The shelf life extension sachet is capable of extending the life of fresh fruits and vegetables by up to 3 times compared to unprotected storage. Also trials were performed on unripe bananas by placing sachets in a box of bananas as they were picked from the farm. The pouches were able to increase the shelf life of such bananas from 17 days to upto 27 days without spoilage.

Description

Shelf-Life Extending Sachets for Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Flowers and a process for preparation thereof FIELD OF INVENTION:

[001] This invention is directed to shelf-life extending sachets for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers and a process for preparation thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[003] The percentage of wastage of fruits, vegetables and flowers is quite high owing to varying temperature conditions, improper storage and handling conditions, distance from the farm to retail and also the time period involved in the distribution.

[004] Therefore, it is required to take measures so as to prolong shelf life of perishable products.

[005] Current method includes either just packaging the fresh produce in crates or meshed plastic bags or regular plastic bags or in some cases also in corrugated boxes [006] In some cases ethylene adsorbant sachets are placed along with the fresh produce. These however have a limited scope of functioning only by absorbing ethylene and also provide limited coverage just around the sachet.

[007] Other method involves keeping fresh produce in controlled atmospheres during shipping and monitoring ethylene content in the air.

[008] However, the sachet provides limited functionality due to just the adsorption action and also has little efficacy owing to limited action of the sachet.

[009] In view of the above, it is required to develop an alternative provision so as to address the aforesaid shortcomings and serve the purpose effectively.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The primary object of the present invention is to provide shelf-life extending sachets for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers and a process for preparation thereof which overcomes disadvantages of the prior arts.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide shelf- life extending sachets for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers and a process for preparation thereof, which effectively serves the purpose by extending life of fresh fruits and vegetables by upto three times comparatively. [0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide shelf-life extending sachets for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers and a process for preparation thereof which is user friendly. [0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide shelf- life extending sachets for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers and a process for preparation thereof which is cost effective.

[0014] Further object of the present invention is to provide shelf- life extending sachets for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers and a process for preparation thereof which provides multi-functional action for improved effectiveness of the sachet in prolonging the shelf life of the fresh produce. [0015] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] One or more drawbacks of conventional systems and process are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the apparatus and a method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be part of the claimed disclosure. [0017] According to this invention, there is provided shelf- life extending sachet for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers, the sachet is made of a permeable membrane filled with atleast one chemical selected from Ethylene adsorbers, Ethylene oxidizers, Carbon dioxide releasers, Oxygen absorbers or reducers, Microbial /Bio inhibitors, Moisture absorbers or Moisture Releasers, wherein each of the chemicals provides a specific functionality to the sachet.

[0018] The permeable membrane includes Tyvek, Non-woven fabric, woven fabric, perforated paper, non perforated paper, which is coated with a sealing layer that allows for permeation of the gases and water vapour therethrough that the gases can come into contact with the contents of the sachets.

[0019] The sachet, thickness of which is preferably 10 microns to 300 microns or 10 gsm to 300 gsm.

[0020] Ethylene adsorbers to absorb ethylene, oxidizing agents to oxidize ethylene, bio inhibitors to release microbial inhibitors and prevent fungal or bacterial spoilage, carbon dioxide releasers to slo down the oxidation rate by having a high CQ2 atmosphere, oxygen absorbers or oxygen reducing agents to reduce surrounding 02 levels and moisture absorbers to reduce moisture.

[0021] The contents in the sachet ranges from 0.1 gram to 100 kg.

[0022] A process for preparation of shelf-life extending sachet for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers comprising steps of:- - mixing the chemicals homogeneously, wherein the chemicals can be in the form of powder/ granules,

- filling of the mixture thus obtained in the permeable membrane.

[0023] The chemicals can be selected to perform just one function or multiple functions depending upon the type of fresh produce and its characteristics including water content, ethylene release properties, storage conditions and period required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

[0024] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawing, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:-

Figure 1 shows: Condition of bananas after being stored in the shelf-life extending sachet of the present invention.

[0025] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein. DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION WITH

REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGfSl OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) [0026] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0027] The present invention is directed to an invention in respect of shelf- life extending sachets for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.

The sachet is made of a permeable membrane filled with atleast one chemical selected from Ethylene adsorbers, Ethylene oxidizers, Carbon dioxide releasers, Oxygen absorbers or reducers, Microbial /Bio inhibitors, Moisture absorbers or Moisture Releasers, wherein each of the chemicals provides a specific functionality to the sachet.

Examples of ingredients: -

Ethylene adsorbers - zeolites or activated alumina

Ethylene oxidizers - Potassium Permanganates

Carbon dioxide releasers - Sodium bicarbonates

Oxygen absorbers or reducers - Metal powders

Microbial/ Bio inhibitors - Sodium Metabisulfite, silver powder, copper powder, organic acids Moisture absorbers or Moisture Releasers - clay, silica gel etc.

[0028] The permeable membrane forms a breathable membrane including tyvek paper, perforated paper, non-woven fabric or any other substrate natural or synthetic which has the characteristics to allow gases as well as water vapour to permeate through the membrane so that the gases can come into the contact with the contents of the sachets.

[0029] Thus, the sachet may be formed using a breathable substrate selected from Tyvek, Non-woven fabric, woven fabric, perforated paper, non perforated paper but coated with a sealing layer, or anj other type of material that allows for transmission or permeation of the gases through this membrane.

[0030] Examples of sealing layer - polyethylene, tyvek, paper and polyethylene combination etc.

[0031] Fhe sachet may range in thickness preferably from 10 microns to 300 microns or from 10 gsm to 300 gsm

[0032] The sachet is then filled with ethylene adsorbers to absorb ethylene, oxidizing agents to oxidize ethylene, bio inhibitors to release microbial inhibitors and prevent fungal or bacterial spoilage, carbon dioxide releasers to slow down the oxidation rate by having a high C02 atmosphere, oxygen absorbers or oxygen reducing agents to reduce surrounding 02 levels and moisture absorbers to reduce moisture which can also cause faster spoilage of the produce. [0033] The contents in the sachet may be filled ranging from 0.1 gram to 100 kg.

[0034] The sachet is filled with multiple chemicals each providing a specific functionality to the sachet and these chemicals in the sachet can be used singularly or as a combination of one, two or more, and in conjunction can provide synergistic improvement in life of fresh produce.

[0035] The process of preparation involves mixing the chemicals in any kind of mixer or just in a vessel. These chemicals can be in powder or granular form, which is homogeneously mixed together. These are then transferred to a form-fill-seal machine where these are filled in a hreathable membrane. The filling can also be carried out manually in ease of non-availability of machines or in ease of larger sized pouches.

[0036] Fhus, the instant invention proposes a .single product that enhances shelf life of fresh produce by multiple actions of the chemicals applied. The chemicals can be selected from the list discussed above to perform just one function or multiple functions depending upon the type of fresh produce and its characteristics like water content, ethylene release properties, storage conditions and period required or any other specific application requirement

WORKING EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE- 1

Ethylene adsorbers = 50% Ethylene oxidizers = 10%

Carbon dioxide releasers = 10% Oxygen absorbers or reducers = 10% Microbial/ Bio inhibitors = 10% Moisture absorbers = 10%

EXAMPLE- 2

Ethylene adsorbers = 80%

Ethylene oxidizers = 20%

Carbon dioxide releasers = 0% Oxygen absorbers or reducers = 0%

Microbial/ Bio inhibitors = 0% Moisture absorbers= 0%

EXAMPLE-3 Ethylene adsorbers = 60%

Ethylene oxidizers = 20%

Carbon dioxide releasers = 0% Oxygen absorbers or reducers = 0% Microbial/ Bio inhibitors = 0% Moisture absorbers = 20% Applications

[0037] One or more sachets can be placed around the fresh produce for optimum performance depending upon the type of fresh produce based on their ethylene release characteristics as well as the storage period

[0038] The sachets may also be kept in a secondary rigid box with breathable holes/slots with adhesive tape backing or without tape or a hole etc. in order to be able to mount this within refrigerated or non-refrigerated storages.

Test Results/Technical Effects/ Advantageous features. [0039] Tests were performed using the shelf life extending sachets on some fresh produce that was picked from a super market shelf which were ripe enough to be consumed and packed in the shelf life extending paper as well as kept in open. The ambient temperatures during testing was 23 degrees C. Reference may be made to fig. 1.

[0040] The shelf life extension sachet is capable of extending the life of fresh fruits and vegetables by up to 3 times compared to unprotected storage. [0041] Also trials were performed on unripe bananas by placing sachets in a box of bananas as they were picked from the farm. The pouches were able to increase the shelf life of such bananas from 17 days to upto 27 days without spoilage.

[0042] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0043] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

[0044] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as“open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as“including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases“at least one” and“one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles“a” or“an” limits any particulars claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or“at least one” and indefinite articles such as“a” or“an” (e.g.,“a” and/or“an” should typically be interpreted to mean“at least one” or“one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of“two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogue to“at least one of A, B and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g.,“a system having at least one of A, B and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to“at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g.,“a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of“A” or“B” or“A and B”.

[0045] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.

[0046] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and fractions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.

[0047] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.

[0048] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM

1. Shelf- life extending sachet for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers, the sachet is made of a permeable membrane filled with atleast one chemical selected from Ethylene adsorbers,

Ethylene oxidizers, Carbon dioxide releasers, Oxygen absorbers or reducers, Microbial/ Bio inhibitors, Moisture absorbers or Moisture Releasers, wherein each of the chemicals provides a specific functionality" to the sachet.

2. Shelf- life extending sachet for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers as claimed in claim 1, wherein the permeable membrane includes Tyvek, Non-woven fabric, woven fabric, perforated paper, non perforated paper, which is coated with a sealing layer that allows for permeation of the gases and water vapour therethrough that the gases can come into contact with the contents of the sachets.

3. Shelf-life extending sachet for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein Ethylene adsorbers include zeolites or activated alumina, Ethylene oxidizers include Potassium Permanganates, Carbon dioxide releasers include Sodium bicarbonates, Oxygen absorbers or reducers include Metal powders and Microbial/ Bio inhibitors include Sodium Metabisulfite, silver powder, copper powder, organic acids, Moisture absorbers or Moisture Releasers include clay, silica gel.

4. Shelf-life extending sachet for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers as claimed in claim 1-3, wherein the sealing layer includes polyethylene, tyvek, combination of paper and polyethylene.

5. Shelf-life extending sachet for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers as claimed in claim 1-4, wherein the sachet, thickness of which is preferably 10 microns to 300 microns or 10 gsm to 300 gsm.

6. Shelf-life extending sachet for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers as claimed in claim 1-5, wherein ethylene adsorbers to absorb ethylene, oxidizing agents to oxidize ethylene, bio inhibitors to release microbial inhibitors and prevent fungal or bacterial spoilage, carbon dioxide releasers to slow down the oxidation rate by having a high COa atmosphere, oxygen absorbers or oxygen reducing agents to reduce surrounding Oa levels and moisture absorbers to reduce moisture.

7. Shelf-life extending sachet for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers as claimed in claim 1-6, wherein the contents in the sachet ranges from 0.1 gram to 100 kg.

8. A process for preparation of shelf- life extending sachet for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers as claimed in claim 1 comprising steps of:-

- mixing the chemicals homogeneously, wherein the chemicals can be in the form of powder/ granules, - filling of the mixture thus obtained in the permeable membrane.

9. The shelf-Life Extending Sachets for Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Flowers and the process for preparation thereof as claimed in claim 1-8, wherein the chemicals can be selected to perform just one function or multiple functions depending upon the type of fresh produce and its characteristics including water content, ethylene release properties, storage conditions and period required.