Descrizione del progetto
Gas traccia per ridurre la perdita di prodotti freschi
La produzione sostenibile di prodotti alimentari ha svolto un importante ruolo sin dagli albori della civiltà, ed è particolarmente essenziale nei giorni odierni. I prodotti agricoli contribuiscono alla produzione di altri prodotti alimentari, oltre a costituire un prodotto in sé. Purtroppo, i prodotti freschi non sono affatto sostenibili: il 33 % della frutta e delle verdure fresche viene perso o sprecato, specialmente durante lo stoccaggio a lungo termine, causando gravi perdite economiche per l’industria alimentare. Il progetto MAX-FRESH, finanziato dall’UE, mira a contrastare questo problema sviluppando il primo sensore automatizzato di gas traccia multispecie che consenta il rilevamento di sette gas volatili indicanti maturazione, fermentazione, danno o decomposizione del prodotto. Questo supporterà la riduzione della perdita di prodotti freschi fino al 50 %, estendendone inoltre la durata di conservazione.
Obiettivo
Today, the fresh produce supply chain is highly unsustainable: 33% of the produced fruit and vegetables is either lost or wasted, of which 10% occurs during long-term storage. This loss also has a major financial impact on the food industry. For stored apples, pears and blueberries alone, the global economic loss equals €6.1 billion per year. However, a significant part of current storage losses could be prevented if only continuous monitoring of stored products was possible so that appropriate measures can be taken.
In the MAX-FRESH project, we will develop the innovative ISS-Monitor: world’s first automated multi-species trace gas sensor that can simultaneously and in real-time detect low levels of 7 volatile gases that indicate ripening, fermentation, damage or rotting of stored fruit. Once unfavorable conditions are detected, the ISS-Monitor will provide automated alerts to enable timely and effective interventions by its customers. The ISS-Monitor has the potential to reduce losses of stored fresh food by 50%, extend storage life with 20%, and reduce post-harvest chemical treatments with 50%.
The MAX-FRESH project builds on a functional prototype of the ISS-Monitor which demonstrated proof-of-performance in a relevant environment. During the MAX-FRESH project, we will take the final steps required to launch the ISS-Monitor on the market. To do so, we apply for €2.2 million (77%) from the EC. The MAX-FRESH project will be performed by a complementary consortium of 3 market-leading industrial partners and 1 academic partner, combining cutting-edge technologies with unique expertise.
After completing the MAX-FRESH project in 2023, the ISS-Monitor wil be ready for market launch. By doing so, the ISS-Monitor will make an impact on the global food production system by contributing to sustainable food production for the ever-growing world population. Sales of the ISS-Monitor will generate cumulative revenues of €110 million for the MAX-FRESH consortium.
Campo scientifico
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Meccanismo di finanziamento
IA - Innovation actionCoordinatore
9190 Stekene
Belgio