WP1: end-user&target groups requirements were defined regarding products storage, quality, resource efficiency, legal and administrative issues. Technical ones to implement case study sites were established. WP2: the best natural sanitizer (Formula 5) was selected among 5 formulas after research/tests on several fruit/vegetables, and the UH unit was adapted for application in cold storages/displays, and a complete new UH was developed for transportation in trucks with a dosing unit with Formula 5. WP3: all components of prototypes (excl. UH) were up-scaled based on technical requirements. Components were assembled according to drawings/simulations/functional tests. Complete systems were implemented and lab test programme was developed. WP4: systems were adapted, tested and optimised under industrial conditions at distribution facilities. Prototypes were installed at the case study sites, test were implemented (strawberries, table grapes, nectarines, peaches, cauliflower, escarole, asparagus and lettuce) and several demo workshops were undertaken. Overall performance was determined and system process reliability analysed. WP5: environmental and economic performance of post-harvest supply chains (peaches, table grapes, strawberries, asparagus) were assessed using process-based, hybrid LCA & CBA; the environmental one compared to conventional supply chains for a wide range of scenarios in EU (transport distances, geographic location of waste disposal, produce losses and UH efficiencies in reducing them). The economic assessment considered potential costs&benefits from increasing sales, reduced waste disposal, energy and labour savings, transport benefits and monetary costs/benefits associated with environmental burdens. WP6: a detailed exploitation plan and marketing concept was developed with a business plan optimised to boost the market entry of technology. Permissions/authorisations needed for large-scale production, installation and application of systems and natural sanitizers were obtained for EU countries (Greece, Netherlands, Germany). Training materials (handouts, presentations) were prepared for workshops provided to potential clients, catalysts for dissemination and installation companies. WP7: commercialization/exploitation of FRESHDEMO was facilitated with activities and materials for dissemination of results to stakeholders in the food industry (publications, presentations at fairs and symposia or production of video). Dissemination activities were monitored by the IP committee before implementation. WP8: comprised project management: monitoring EC obligations, administration of EC financial contribution and distribution in accordance with GA/CA, efficient/correct communication and reporting with the EC, knowledge and IPR management.
Results:
12 prototypes installed and 6 testing activities
21 workshops organised and 8 attended, attendance to 15 fairs (10 with a project stand), presentations at 6 conferences, published articles, press releases, newsletters, flyers, manuals, posters, banners, promotional videos, website and social media
Net present value up to 500,000€ for a supermarket’s display of 25 m2 with fruit/vegetables sold in 15 years when applying UH in the post-harvest; 25% of food-waste reduced at van Gurp, 3.35%-2.25% of the total turnover of products
Better appearance of the humidified products with Formula 5 than non-treated products, longer shelf-life and higher nutrients content
Environmental impact reduced up to 27% compared to conventional supply chains, especially on climate change impact, on excess amount of nutrients in water bodies and fine particulate matter emissions.
The project outcomes have led to launching into the market a new product (Mobile UH, Dosing unit & Tank unit), new process (Transport of humidified fresh products from farm to/and including the supermarket) & new method (Using antimicrobial additive in humidifiers).
