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Locking in freshness: Ripelocker’s technology preserves flowers and profits
In the world of post-harvest technology, where fresh produce and cut flowers race against time to remain marketable, truly innovative solutions are a rare find. Dr Richard Kim, Ripelocker’s Director of Pathology, is changing this narrative with a groundbreaking method that’s transforming how the floral industry approaches storage and preservation.
Ripelocker’s compact, portable vacuum chambers measure 44 by 44 inches (1.12m) in footprint and 47 inches (1.19m) high; Ripelocker’s low-pressure technology allows growers to preserve cut flowers for up to six weeks. These patented chambers—40 of which can fit in a standard 40-foot (12.19m) reefer container—are revolutionising how the floral industry approaches freshness and profitability.
A Fresh Perspective on Post-Harvest Challenges
Dr Richard Kim, Director of Pathology at Ripelocker.
With over 20 years of experience in the post-harvest chemical industry, the Director of Pathology at Ripelocker, Dr Kim, explains the limitations of traditional cold storage solutions, especially for delicate perishables like cut flowers. “The problem with most existing post-harvest technology is that it mainly relies on cold storage or modified atmospheric packaging, which works well for some commodities, like apples, but not for others, like cut flowers or tropical fruits. We wanted to create a solution that would work across various perishables, including the floral industry,” explains Dr Kim.
Unlike traditional methods, like Controlled Atmosphere (CA) or Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), which often struggle to maintain quality for commodities with shorter shelf lives, Ripelocker’s innovative hypobaric (low-pressure) technology offers a refreshing relief. It extends the freshness of cut flowers by controlling oxygen levels and preventing dehydration, even over long periods. “Our Ripelocker technology ensures high humidity levels—nearly 100 per cent—so flowers stay hydrated and fresh for much longer,” Dr Kim says, providing a sense of reassurance to the industry professionals.
Maximising Profit Potential During Seasonal Peaks
The floral industry, particularly in the USA, faces extreme fluctuations in demand around key holidays like Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day. Traditionally, this has meant high pressure for growers to meet the sudden spikes in demand, followed by surplus blooms that are often discarded once the season has passed.
Ripelocker offers growers and shippers a game-changing solution to this problem. By extending the storage life of cut flowers for up to five weeks, Ripelocker allows growers to stabilise supply throughout the year, reducing waste and capitalising on higher prices during peak periods. “Ripelocker provides the ability to store flowers for six weeks ahead of big holidays, meaning growers don’t have to expand their operations unnecessarily or lose out on profit,” Dr Kim explains.
This storage capability ensures that flowers remain in optimal condition, even weeks after harvest, without compromising their vase life or quality. By utilising Ripelocker, growers can avoid the costly air transport typically required to meet immediate demand. The technology enables sea transport, which is five times cheaper and reduces the industry’s carbon footprint.
Sustainability in Action: Reducing Waste and Carbon Emissions
Ripelocker’s environmental benefits go beyond just preserving flowers. The system enables growers to reduce waste, stabilise supply, and minimise their environmental impact. “By allowing flowers to be shipped by sea instead of air, we’re significantly cutting transport costs and carbon emissions,” Dr Kim points out. This aligns with the growing need for sustainable solutions in the floral industry, where the balance between profitability and environmental responsibility is increasingly in focus.
Fungal and Pest Control Without Chemicals
A major challenge in the cut flower industry is managing fungal pathogens like Botrytis cinerea, which causes grey mould and can devastate flowers during storage. Traditional methods rely on fungicides, but over time, resistance has developed, making them less effective. Ripelocker offers a chemical-free solution to this problem. By controlling the oxygen and pressure levels inside the chamber, the technology has shown an 80 per cent reduction in Botrytis development.
“We’ve been able to reduce fungal growth by up to 80 per cent, ensuring flowers stored for weeks retain their quality,” Dr Kim explains. Recent trials demonstrated even more promising results, with an 81 per cent reduction in Botrytis grey mould after seven weeks of storage. When combined with ozone application, which further enhances the control of fungal pathogens, the results are even more striking.
In addition to fungal management, Ripelocker addresses another critical issue: insect pests like Thrips. These pests, notorious for damaging flowers, have become harder to control with the phasing out of chemicals like methyl bromide. “Ripelocker, when combined with ozone, has achieved 100 per cent mortality of Thrips, providing an effective and sustainable alternative to chemical fumigants,” Dr Kim adds. This eliminates the need for hazardous substances while still protecting valuable blooms.
A Technological Leap in Cut Flower Storage
Ripelocker’s patented technology doesn’t just offer more precise control over oxygen and carbon dioxide levels; it also regulates the pressure within the chambers to create an optimal environment for preserving perishables. The chambers are designed to be lightweight, portable, and easy to handle, making them adaptable to any shipping or storage facility. With the capacity to hold up to 2,500 rose stems per unit, Ripelocker maximises storage efficiency, offering significant economic benefits to the floral industry and instilling confidence in its adaptability.
The impact on profitability is clear and promising. For instance, roses stored in Ripelockers before Valentine’s Day can fetch up to $0.72 more per stem than those sold during low-demand periods, allowing growers and shippers to maximise returns on their harvests. This added value, combined with the ability to reduce waste and avoid the use of synthetic chemicals, positions Ripelocker as a truly transformative solution in the floral market, promising a brighter and more profitable future for the industry.
Safety and Adaptability for All Users
Despite the sophisticated technology at play, Ripelocker’s system is designed with user safety in mind. “Once the flowers are loaded and the chamber is sealed, there are no special safety requirements beyond standard handling procedures,” says Dr Kim. The chambers can be safely integrated into cold storage facilities without the need for complex additional systems, providing a sense of reassurance and confidence in its use.
In summary, Ripelocker is much more than just an innovative storage solution. It represents a shift in how the floral industry manages both peak demand and surplus supply, all while ensuring a sustainable and profitable approach to flower preservation. By offering a chemical-free, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solution, Ripelocker is setting a new standard for the future of floriculture.
