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The Invisible Villain: Ethylene Gas

  • Writer: Joy Tyler
    Joy Tyler
  • Jan 16
  • 2 min read


Illustration showing the impact of ethylene on banana ripening, highlighting its role in accelerating fruit decay
Illustration showing the impact of ethylene on banana ripening, highlighting its role in accelerating fruit decay

Ethylene is a naturally occurring gas emitted by most fruits and vegetables during ripening. It’s what gives us perfectly ripe bananas and juicy peaches. But once harvested, ethylene gas becomes a problem:

  • Accelerated Spoilage: Ethylene speeds up the ripening of nearby produce, causing food to spoil faster.

  • Significant Food Waste: Over 30% of food produced globally is wasted, much of it due to spoilage (FAO).

  • Environmental Impact: Decomposing food waste contributes to 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions (UNEP).

The fight against ethylene is central to reducing food waste and preserving fresh produce for longer.


Freshtik: A Game-Changing Solution

At DFlabs, we’ve developed Freshtik, an innovative product designed to neutralize ethylene gas naturally. Freshtik offers a non-toxic, eco-friendly, and highly effective way to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.


FreshTik Cards that enhance the shelf life of fruits and vegetables
FreshTik Cards that enhance the shelf life of fruits and vegetables

What Makes Freshtik Special?

  1. Ethylene Absorption: Freshtik stickers and cards actively absorb ethylene gas, slowing the ripening process.

  2. Eco-Friendly: Made with sustainable materials, Freshtik reduces reliance on refrigeration and chemical preservatives.

  3. Versatility: Freshtik stickers are perfect for individual fruits and vegetables, while Freshtik cards work wonders for bulk storage.





Here’s how Freshtik is making a tangible impact:

  • Shelf Life Extension: In trials, Freshtik has been shown to extend the freshness of produce by up to 50%, reducing food waste dramatically.

  • Global Food Savings: Cutting food waste in half could save enough food to feed 870 million people annually (FAO).

  • Reduced Emissions: Every ton of food waste avoided prevents about 4.4 tons of CO₂ emissions (WRI).


How to Use Freshtik

Freshtik is as simple to use as it is effective:

  1. Place a Sticker: Attach a Freshtik sticker to individual fruits and vegetables.

  2. Use a Card for Bulk: Insert a Freshtik card into storage crates or containers for larger quantities.

  3. Store Normally: Combine Freshtik with proper storage conditions like refrigeration to maximize results.

By targeting ethylene at its source, Freshtik ensures your produce stays fresher, crisper, and tastier for longer.


 
 
 

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