Descripción del proyecto
Un menor desperdicio de productos frescos gracias a la trazabilidad de gases
La producción sostenible de alimentos ha desempeñado un papel fundamental desde los albores de la civilización y, hoy día, tiene una importancia capital. Las materias primas agrícolas favorecen la producción de otros alimentos y constituyen un producto por sí mismas. Por desgracia, los productos frescos son bastante poco sostenibles: el 33 % de las frutas y verduras frescas se desperdician o se echan a perder, sobre todo durante el almacenamiento a largo plazo, lo que provoca pérdidas económicas cuantiosas para la industria alimentaria. El objetivo del proyecto financiado con fondos europeos MAX-FRESH es acometer este problema al desarrollar el primer sensor automatizado multiespecie de gases traza que permite detectar siete gases volátiles que indican la maduración, la fermentación, el daño o la podredumbre del producto. Esto contribuirá a reducir el desperdicio de productos frescos hasta en un 50 % y aumentará la vida útil de almacenamiento de dichos productos.
Objetivo
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.
Ámbito científico
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IA - Innovation actionCoordinador
9190 Stekene
Bélgica