Extend shipping distances for perishables

The innovative XtendFRESH™ atmosphere control system, which preserves quality and extends shipping distances for perishables shipped in refrigerated containers, is now available from Carrier Transicold. In concert with the commercial release of the XtendFRESH system, the company produced a video demonstrating its operation and benefits. Carrier Transicold helps improve global transport and shipping of temperature-controlled cargoes with a complete line of equipment for refrigerated trucks, trailers and containers, and is a part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

The innovative XtendFRESH system uses a patented, self-regenerating activated-carbon scrubber assembly to actively control oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and remove ethylene, a hormone given off by ripening produce that will accelerate ripening if left unchecked. As O2 is consumed by ripening produce, automated, on-demand fresh-air ventilation helps maintain the optimum O2 level for the specific cargo inside. No other product integral to the container actively manages CO2 and O2 and removes ethylene.

The process is demonstrated in Carrier Transicold’s new XtendFRESH video, which is viewable on Carrier Transicold’s website at www.carrier.com/XtendFRESH and also is available with French, Portuguese, Spanish and simplified Chinese subtitles.

“This video shows the ingenious engineering that enables the XtendFRESH system to achieve some remarkable results,” said Edward Goh, director of marketing, Global Container Refrigeration, Carrier Transicold. “By slowing ripening, the XtendFRESH system significantly lengthens the amount of time produce can spend in transit, helping exporters reach new markets through extended shipping distances.”

With the XtendFRESH system, O2 and CO2 levels can be independently set to provide ideal results for a given commodity. The system’s ability to remove ethylene, while precisely managing O2 and CO2, is key to its performance and distinguishes it from other products for container atmosphere control.

By helping to prevent premature ripening, the XtendFRESH system aids in maintaining optimum quality of delivered produce and reducing spoilage. The XtendFRESH system is designed to be more affordable than Carrier’s prior atmosphere control solutions and relatively easy to install on existing equipment.

The XtendFRESH system can satisfy atmosphere-control needs for the majority of perishable items shipped today, including bananas, avocados, mangos, pineapples, cantaloupe, kiwifruit, peaches, plums, apples and pears, to name a few.

With the commercial release of XtendFRESH, the system is now available for retrofit on existing equipment, or as an option with new equipment purchases. A special XtendFRESH provision is also available for new units, making it easier to upgrade them with the XtendFRESH system at a later date.

For more information about the XtendFRESH system, turn to the experts at Carrier Transicold or visit www.carrier.com/container.