AIR-FREIGHT COOLCHAIN IMPROVEMENTS USING INSULATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL COOLING

The objective of this research was to quantify the benefits of several options for improving the coolchain for air freighted produce. Four main treatment combinations were evaluated for their ability to slow the warming of cooled products; the use of an insulated pallet wrap (foil, or a proprietary cover, Coolguard), and the use of ice or dry ice as a supplemental coolant. These treatments were conducted in a controlled temperature room using 450 kg asparagus pallets. Temperatures were monitored at various locations in the pallets and weighted average temperatures calculated for each run. Each treatment was then evaluated by fitting a logarithmic warming function, for comparison with other treatments. Average U-values for both wrap systems were also calculated. Elimination of air exchange by the wrap gave the most benefit. Additional benefit of the supplemental cooling was comparatively small. No significant differences were found between the two wrap treatments.