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BAN CHOON MARKETING PTE LTD

PROJECT:

TEST-BEDDING OF AIR PURIFIER FOR MAINTAINING OF FRESH PRODUCE QUALITY

Team leader:

Tan Chin Ngiap (Project Director Ban Choon Marketing Pte Ltd)

Team advisers:

ATP (Agri-food Technologies Pte Ltd a fully owned private subsidiary of AVA (Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore)

Yi Sin – Scientist (Supply Chain Section), Post Harvest Technology

Chai Hui Wen (AVA) – Senior Technologist (Product Quality & Innovation Section), Post Harvest Technology

Team members from Ban Choon Marketing Pte Ltd

Michelle Tan Li Xin (Operation of the whole store movement and Procurement)

Janet Wong Mei Keng (Operation Manager) Raymond Tan (Store Manager) (in lieu of Bobo)

Jeson Pagota Ranin (Assistant Operation Manager) Widya Puspawaty (Logistics Executive - Operations) (in lieu of Mr Lim)

Team reporting: SP Consulting (International) Pte Ltd

Soh Beng Hock (Consultancy and Reporting)

25 February 2015, Rev B

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Executive Summary This project aims to test the effect of Airocide, an air purifier, in the maintaining the

quality of fresh produce and hence, reducing wastage and improving productivity of the company, Ban Choon Marketing Pte Ltd. Three on-site trials were conducted at the premises of Ban Choon Marketing Pte Ltd from 13 November 2014 to 10 January 2015. In each trial, the quality of strawberries and romaine lettuce samples stored in chillers with and without Airocide were assessed daily throughout a period of 2 weeks. The project was carried out over 3 trials of 2 weeks for each trial with the main objectives as below:To improve shelf-life of the products especially fresh produce, fruits and vegetables.

To control the ripening process. To improve storage environment. To improve the air quality and cut down ethylene gas as well as microbes. Overall results from all 3 trials showed that both strawberries and romaine lettuce samples stored in the chiller with Airocide had an extended shelf life of over 4 to 10 days. In addition, an improvement in air quality of the chiller with Airocide was observed with a noticeable reduction in musty odour as compared to the chiller without Airocide. We are most happy to report that the trial results showed that overall objectives were achieved:

Shelf-life extended over 4 to 10 days. Overall ripening processes improved. Storage environment improved with noticeable less stale musty smell Air quality improved with less ethylene gas as the main cause for fast ripening.

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Contents

Executive Summary …………………………………………………….……………………………2

1.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………………….…………………4

2.0 Objectives…………………………………………………..……………………………………7

3.0 Experimental Plan…………………………………………..…………………………….…… 8 3.1 Materials….………………….…………………….…….…………………………………...8 3.2 Method……………………..……………….…………….………………………………….. 8

4.0 Results and Discussons ……….…………..….……………………………………………….9

4.1 Results……………………………………………………….…………………………….….9

4.2 Discussons ………………………….…….…………..…………………………………….13

5.0 Consulsions and Recommendations …….….……………………………………………….13

5.1 Conclusions …………………………………………………………………………..……13 5.2 Estimation of Cost Savings…………………………………………………………..……14 5.3 Recommendations…………………………………………………………………………15

Appendices ………..……………………………………………….……………….…………… 16

References ………….………………………………………...………………….………………. 16

Appendix 1 - Quality Assessment and Experiment Design Appendix 2 - 1st trial - Test Bedding of Air Purifier for Maintaining Fresh Products

Quality. Appendix 3 - 2nd trial - Test Bedding of Air Purifier for Maintaining Fresh Products

Quality. Appendix 4 - 3rd trial - Test Bedding of Air Purifier for Maintaining Fresh Products

Quality. Appendix 5 - Ban Choon Airocide testing site layout

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 The Technology & How It Works

The fruits and vegetables wholesale and distribution business is very highly susceptible to spoilages causing wastages. Hence, Ban Choon Marketing Pte Ltd embarks on a search for a technology to help to reduce produce spoilages during storage.

Based on FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)http://www.fao.org/save-food/resources/keyfindings/infographics/fruit/en/

A high % of wastage due to distribution (average about 10%)

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NASA created Airocide and used it on the Space Station to eliminate ethylene gas. Today it’s known as the Airocide Photo-catalytic Reaction Chamber and it’s what powers every Airocide air purifier.

Since 1998 the commercial uses for the technology have rapidly expanded. Food packers,

wineries and grocery chains have been using Airocide to protect their products from mold,

bacteria and to extend the shelf life of perishables by as much as two weeks.

Developed by NASA, Airocide bioconversion technology converts damaging molds,

microorganisms, dangerous pathogens, destructive VOCs and biological gasses into

harmless water vapor without producing Ozone or other harmful byproducts. Green and

energy efficient, treated air exits as 99.999% pathogen free fresh air on the first pass. FDA

approved, Airocide is the one that works.

Airocide uses a Photocatalytic Reactor (Not a filter) and Kills, Airborne Bacteria,

Mold/Fungi, Viruses, Allergens, and Mycotoxins Airocide is a Totally GREEN (n Oxidizes Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) on-

chemical based Technology that is Certified to Produce No Ozone Airocide Oxidizes Volatile Organic compounds (VOC’s), thereby removing Harmful

Gases and Undesirable Organic Odors Airocide is a Completely Safe and Effective Technology having been listed and

Certified as a FDA Medical Device Airocide is energy efficient, has low operational cost, consuming less Energy then (3)

100 watt light bulbs, and only requires yearly maintenance.

Hydroxyl radicals and super-oxide ions are bound to individual glass surfaces via a nano-

particle compound creating nearly three hundred and sixty degrees (360) of exposure.

Increased exposure increases the likelihood of pathogen collisions.

The glass tubes and the way their architectural construct is applied within the ACS 100

system create more than 5 METERS of surface area. The likelihood of pathogen collision

increases exponentially with an increase in surface area.

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The system produces neither Ozone nor any other harmful by-product.

1.2 The Core Technology

Airocide’s nanocoating technology permanently bonds Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) to the surface of the mini-tubules that comprise the catalytic bed. This permits the perpetual generation of surface-bound (OH-) radicals and prevents the generation and release of harmful byproducts such as Ozone.

Bound to the surface, these (OH-) radicals can only contact organic matter when a virus,

bacterium, VOC or other organic particulate when one physically collides with it. As that

happens, total mineralization takes place at a molecular level. Permanent eradication results

with the original organic converted into harmless vapor.

Arrayed in such a way as to make collision inevitable these nanotubes are the reason why

the phenomenal eradication rate is possible without the production of Ozone or other harmful

byproducts. Producing, safe, crisp, clean air – 99.999 percent free of VOCs, mold spores,

bacteria, viruses and my cotoxins.

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1.3 The Process

H1N1 Virus

Be aware that 99% of what penetrates deep into the lungs and is essentially invisible.

Smaller than a fraction of a micron; too small for any filter to trap and more often than not,

dangerous to humans, these are the targets that Airocide was designed to eradicate.

Air is forced through Airocide’s proprietary geometry

254-nanometer light generates surface-bound (OH-) radicals

The geometric path of air flows over, around and through the catalytic tubules, maximizing

collisions between surface-bound (OH-) radicals and the organic contents of the untreated

air.

Meanwhile, 254 nanometer light waves bombard the catalysts with high K-factor photons.

Thus energized, surface-bound negatively charged super-oxide Oxygen/Hydrogen (OH-)

radicals, tethered via invisible anchors, spring from its glass surface. One touch and the

radicals rip away carbon atoms from each organic molecule. The molecular structures begin

to disintegrate as millions of (OH-) radicals converge, combining with the carbon atoms,

converting the organic material into a harmless vapor and fresh clean air.

2.0 Objectives The objectives of the project are to determine if Airocide will be able to improve shelf-life of the fresh produce, particularly strawberries and romaine lettuce samples as well as to improve the air quality through the reduction of microbes and therefore, odour.

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3.0 Experimental Plan A total of three trials were conducted with each trial lasting for about 2 weeks. 3.1 Materials

3.1.1 Raw Materials The romaine lettuce and strawberries were selected from the same vendor / supplier (the country of origin and the brand of the produce are not a major factor). Each sample of romaine lettuce and strawberries were screened through thoroughly to ensure optimal initial quality and freshness prior to the commencement of each trial. The selection of samples were conducted by punnets (for strawberries) or bags (for romaine lettuce) to mimic the daily fruits and vegetable operation flow. 3.1.2 Storage Location Chiller with Airocide – Chiller A (with 4 Airocide units) Chiller without Airocide – Chiller B (non-Airocide) – about same product storage as

Airocide chiller Both chillers were of approximate similar sizes (more than 5 m x 10 m x 10 m) to ensure comparable data to be gathered. An illustration of the testing site in Ban Choon Marketing Pte Ltd could be found in Appendix 5, where Chiller A represents Chiller 3 and Chiller B represents Chiller 7. Observations on the general storage capacity (in terms of % of storage load) and activity level of each chiller were recorded on a daily basis for a better comparison of the trial results. 3.1.3 Airocide Units There are 4 Airocide units installed in Chiller A is 4 Airocide units. Optimal performance of each Airocide unit was ensured by preventing air flow disruption to and from each unit by stacked pallets and/or boxes. Samples were placed below the Airocide units to allow optimum exposure to air processed by Airocide. Airocide units in the main packing area, which is linked to Chiller A, was also switched on since air may flow from the packing area to the chiller via an open door during the movement of goods.

3.2 Method Temperatures of both chillers A and B were set at 4˚C prior to commencement of trial. 2 sets of 10 punnets of strawberries and bags of romaine lettuce each were randomly selected and screened to ensure optimal freshness and quality before loading into chillers A and B. Daily quality assessment of strawberry and romaine lettuce samples were conducted by 5 assessors with reference to the quality chart developed by the Post Harvest Technology Department, AVA (Appendix 1). The grade of the each sample was determined from the average result graded by the 5 assessors. % rejection among each set of 10 strawberry and romaine lettuce samples were also determined to allow comparison between samples stored in Chillers A and B. Trials were repeated thrice to ensure repeatability of results.

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4.0 Results and Discussion 4.1 Results Table 1: Observations on quality assessment of strawberries from Trials 1 to 3

Trial Without Airocide With Airocide Results Trial #1 Conducted from 13 Nov 2014 to 21 Nov 2014

At Day 1, One punnet rejection due to Mould. At Day 6, 10% mouldy, 40% bruising and softening

At Day 3, one punnet rejection. Note: No selection of individual fruit was done. At Day 6, 10% reject, 10% mouldy, 20% rotting

There was no obvious difference in the early stage perhaps due to several factors such as quality of strawberries used, size of room, process traffic flow etc. Note: There was a wrong electrical connection for Airocide

Trial #2 Conducted from 13 Dec 2014 to 24 Dec 2014

At Day 4, 1 punnet slightly bruised. At Day 10, 20% punnet with 1-5% rotting, slight softening, 10% Appearance Light Dull Red grade 3 At Day 12, 50% shown moderate dull red, dark & brown seeds , 11-15% soft & Appearance Light Dull Red

At Day 4, 1 punnet with appearance grade 4. At Day 10, 30% punnets with Appearance Light Dull Red At Day 12, 30% punnet with Appearance Light Dull Red

Airocide extended the shelf life of strawberries by 4-5 days.

Trial #3 Conducted from 28 Dec 2014 to 10 Jan 2015

>15% Mould appeared at Day 4 in 1 punnet and another with 1-5 % Mouldy. 20% punnets mouldy. At Day 10, 40% of punnets were mouldy, 20% was Dull Red, Brown seeds and bruising. At Day 14, 80% punnets were mouldy

There was no mouldiness (0%) in any punnet at Day 4. At Day 10, 20% punnet with Pale White spots seen. 10% Slight dull red. Brown seeds and 10% Pale White spots and very slight Dull Red 60% remained fresh. At Day 14, none was mouldy. Only shown sign of Slight dull red. Brown seeds. Softening

Airocide extended the shelf life of strawberries by 5-6 days

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Fruit - WITHOUT AIROCIDE UNIT

(Spoilt at Day 6) Fruit - WITH AIROCIDE UNIT

(Still fresh at Day 6)

#6 >15% Mouldy

Only punnet # 6 & 10 pale while spots

Fruit - WITHOUT AIROCIDE UNIT

(Spoilt at Day 14) Fruit - WITH AIROCIDE UNIT

(Partial fresh at Day 14)

#5 ((Dull red. Brown seeds . Softening, Brown seeds)

Mouldy

Mouldy

Mouldy

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Table 2: Observations on quality assessment of romaine lettuce from Trials 1 to 3

Trial Without Airocide With Airocide Results Trial #1 Conducted from 13 Nov 2014 to 21 Nov 2014

Shown more discoloration (yellowish and starting to brown) as well as more russet spotting (11-20% on the majority of the samples) at Day 6. Rotting" on 2 of the 5 samples (20%)

Only one yellowish and starting to brown as well as more russet spotting on the Airocide test items.

There was no obvious difference in the early stage perhaps due to several factors such as quality of vegetables used, size of room, process traffic flow etc.

Trial #2 Conducted from 13 Dec 2014 to 24 Dec 2014

At Day 4, 40% with Butt End discolouration, 20% with russet spotting. At Day 10, most with Butt End discolouration and slight wilting On Day 12, Most (80%) were already wilting and russet spotting and rejected

At Day 4, 20% romaine with Butt End Discolouration. At Day 10, 80% with Butt End discolouration only. At Day 12, there was no rejection as yet.

Airocide extended the shelf life of vegetables by 3-4 days.

Trial #3 Conducted from 28 Dec 2014 to 10 Jan 2015

>20% Russet Spotting in 1 bag of Romaine, another with 1-5% russet spotting at Day 4. At Day 10, there was 2 of 10 romaine (20%) with >15% rotting and >20% Russet Spotting 5 of 10 romaine (50%) with Moderate loss of green color + >20% Russet Spotting + >20% butt-end discoloration At Day 14, 20% Romaine were rotting,

Slight Yellowish at the tip of the leaf, one layer of leaf in 1 of 10 Romaine at Day 4. 90% was still fresh. At Day 10, 4 romaine with Russet Spotting (grade 5). 60% was still fresh At Day 14, 10% of the romaine rot. 20% shown pale green leaves, 50% with varied degree of russet spotting.

Airocide extended the shelf life of vegetables by 4-5 days

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Vegetable - WITHOUT AIROCIDE UNIT (Spoilt at Day 6)

Vegetable - WITH AIROCIDE UNIT (Still fresh at Day 6)

#3 >20% Russet Spotting

#8 6-10% butt end discoloration

#2 (6-10% Russet Spotting (grade 3)

#7 (6-10% Russet Spotting (grade 3)

Vegetable - WITHOUT AIROCIDE UNIT

(Spoilt at Day 14) Vegetable - WITH AIROCIDE UNIT

(Partial fresh at Day 14)

#6 (>20% Russet Spotting) + (>15% rotting) #7 (>20% Russet Spotting) + (>15% rotting)

#4 Pale green leaves #5 (1-5% Russet Spotting) + >20% Russet Spotting (grade 5)

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4.2 Discussion Results obtained from trial 1 showed that there was not much difference in the quality of strawberries and romaine lettuce samples stored in chillers with and without Airocide respectively. However, this may be due to variations in chiller size and temperature, types of products stored, % storage load and activity level between the chillers used. To ensure experiment consistency and reliability of data gathered, the chillers with and without Airocide to be used were evaluated to be of similar size, products stored, % storage load and activity level prior to commencement of trial 2 and 3. The results obtained from trials 2 and 3 showed that there were overall improvements in the shelf-life of strawberries and romaine lettuce samples stored in the Chiller A (with Airocide). This shelf life extension observed may be due to a reduction in the rate of ripening attributable to the reduction of ethylene gas by the Airocide units present in the chiller. Furthermore, mould growth was also observed in 20% of strawberry samples stored in Chiller B (without Airocide) on day 4 of trial 3. On day 14 of trial 3, 80% of strawberries stored in Chiller B (without Airocide) had presence of mould while no mould growth was observed in strawberries stored in Chiller A (with Airocide). This may imply that there may be a lower microbial load present in the air of Chiller A as compared to Chiller B due to the function of Airocide since mould growth was not observed in samples stored in Chiller A.

5.0 Conclusions and Recommendations 5.1 Conclusion Observations made during quality assessment in all 3 trials were shown in the table below. Table 3: Concluding observations made for strawberry and romaine lettuce samples stored in chillers with and without Airocide Produce Trial Conclusion without

Airocide Conclusion with Airocide

Strawberries 1 Showed comparable results with Airocide units.

Result error due to wrong electrical switch set for the Airocide units in the Chiller room.

2 Early spoilage compared to Airocide units

Airocide extended the shelf life of strawberries by 4-5 days.

3 Early spoilage compared to Airocide units

Airocide extended the shelf life of strawberries by 5-6 days

Romaine Lettuce

1 Showed comparable results with Airocide units.

Result error due to wrong electrical switch set for the Airocide units in the Chiller room.

2 Early spoilage compared to Airocide units

Airocide extended the shelf life of vegetables by 3-4 days.

3 Early spoilage compared to Airocide units

Airocide extended the shelf life of vegetables by 4-5 days

Overall results obtained showed that strawberries and romaine lettuce stored in Chiller A (with Airocide) had an extended shelf life of 4 – 6 days and 3 – 5 days respectively as compared to samples stored in Chiller B (without Airocide). This may be due to the decrease in ethylene gas by the Airocide units present in the chiller. In addition, unlike strawberries stored in Chiller B, no mould growth was observed in strawberries stored in Chiller A which

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may be due to the reduction of microbial load in the air by the Airocide units. Improvements in air quality in terms of odour control was also noted in which a noticeable less musty odour was observed in Chiller A as compared to B. 5.2 Estimation of Cost Savings As Airocide installation shown to prolong of shelf life for Romaine Lettuce and Strawberry for approximately 4 to 6 days, we can estimate the cost savings with the installation as per calculation below.

Issues Fruit (Strawberry) Vegetables (Romaine Lettuce)

1. Savings from Extended Shelf-Life

Not critical, see Note Not critical, see Note

2. Savings for the Supermarket for extended shelf-life

Not calculated Not calculated

3. Savings from other Intangible benefits

Not calculated Not calculated

4. Savings from less Spoilage

Based a storage load of produce at SGD100,000 per Chiller The savings due to less spoilage from Day 3 onwards are estimated to be about 10% (on average) So, a cost savings of SGD10,000 per each load per Chiller in case of any delay in shipment or delivery due to any unforeseen circumstances

=do=

Note: 1. The extension of shelf-life of 4 to 6 days is not a very important factor for Ban Choon

Marketing Pte Ltd in its operations. This is due to the fact that all produces are fast moving and are not stored more than 3-4 days as almost all produces are shipped out within 1-2 days only.

2. So, the most critical factor in the cost savings calculations are the % of wastage while in

the storage. The cost savings is from the less % of spoilage.

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5.3 Recommendations Based on the conclusion and cost saving estimation, recommendations are made to install Airocide units and further monitor its effectiveness in increasing productivity:

Issues Fruit (Strawberry) Vegetables (Romaine Lettuce) 1. Airocide units

As seen from the 3 trials conducted, it can be seen that the Airocide units have helped to extend the shelf life of the produce while in storage. Recommendations: It is recommended that the management budget to install Airocide units in all produce storage locations.

=do= Recommendations: The Airocide per m3 for vegetable to be more than for the fruits.

2. Types of produce

It can be seen that some produce natural ripening process can be retarded to ensure that more wastages were effectively prevented. Recommendations: Alternatively, it is recommended that the management budget to install in all fast ripening produce with Airocide units as first priority. Eg: kiwis fruits, bananas, avocados

=do= Recommendations: Some example of fast ripening vegetables are romaine lettuce, leafy vegetables.

3. General smell in the working environment

The general comments and feedback from staff working in the produce environment states that the musty smell were greatly reduced. This helps to prevent the unpleasant smell in the working condition. Recommendations: It is recommend that the HR monitors all sick leave resulting from flu, cold, fever to see the direct link to Airocide units.

=do=

4. General well-being of workers

Based on the reports from NASA on spaceship and enclosed environment, the air quality can be improved to provide clean air for the working environment. Recommendations: Ban Choon Marketing HR may want to continue to monitor any feedback from workers in Airocide working environment on the air quality.

=do=

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Appendices

Appendix 1 - Quality Assessment and Experiment Design Appendix 2 - 1st trial - Test Bedding of Air Purifier for Maintaining Fresh Products Quality. Appendix 3 - 2nd trial - Test Bedding of Air Purifier for Maintaining Fresh Products Quality. Appendix 4 - 3rd trial - Test Bedding of Air Purifier for Maintaining Fresh Products Quality. Appendix 5 - Ban Choon Airocide testing site layout

References Webpages 1. Airocide Test Results from Government Institutions, Leading Universities and

Independent Laboratories. http://www.airocide.com/nasa-science/studies/

2. Case Studies Reports

http://www.airocide.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/AirocideCaseStudies1.pdf 3. Reviews

http://www.highya.com/airocide-reviews 4. User - Able Freight Services Inc.

http://www.ablefreight.com/airocide-technology/ 5. Air Purifiers Eliminate Pathogens, Preserve Food

http://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2009/ch_2.html

6. Production is only half the battle - A training manual in fresh produce marketing for the Eastern Caribbean by Stephen R. Harris FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANISATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS,

December 1988 http://www.fao.org/wairdocs/x5014e/X5014e00.htm#Contents Request permission to publish from: The Chief Editor FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 00100 Rome, Italy e-mail: copyright@fao.org

For more information on Airocide, please visit: http://www.airocide.com/