Restrain Ethylene Anti-germination PET Technology for Potatoes

 

Introducing Restrain's Revolutionary Precision Ethylene Treatment (PET) Technology

Restrain is proud to announce the launch of its new Precision Ethylene Treatment (PET) technology, setting an unprecedented standard in storage solutions. This pioneering advancement continues Restrain's legacy of innovation, ensuring optimal potato preservation through the precise application and control of Ethylene, a natural plant hormone crucial for maintaining potato quality.

Ethylene experts for over 20 years

Ethylene, a colourless gas naturally occurring in all plants, plays a vital role in various physiological processes such as ripening, ageing, and stress responses. For two decades, Restrain has harnessed the power of Ethylene to revolutionise potato storage, keeping potatoes sprout-free, quality-stable and market-ready. Restrain's Ethylene systems seamlessly integrate into commercial bulk, box, ambient and refrigerated storage facilities without requiring costly modifications. Our catalytic generators, designed and manufactured in-house since 2017, enhance safety, ensure quality, reduce costs, and foster continuous innovation. Leveraging advanced microcomputer technology, our systems offer unparalleled control and future-proof internet connectivity for real-time monitoring.

Following the European 2020 ban on CIPC, Restrain emerged as the preferred solution for major french fry manufacturers and fresh potato suppliers. As priorities evolved, our focus expanded to address fry colour and weight loss, cementing our leadership in Ethylene management for potato storage. Today our natural, cost-effective sprout suppression system ensures minimal weight loss and optimal fry colour without necessitating a harvest interval. By 2023, Restrain had integrated iCloud technology for real-time remote monitoring and adaptive storage control. Our ongoing research and newly patented systems drive continuous advancements, solidifying our position at the forefront of potato storage innovation.

 

A world first: Introducing Precision Ethylene Treatment (PET) technology

In Autumn 2024, Restrain unveils its most significant innovation yet: Precision Ethylene Treatment (PET) technology. This advanced method introduces and maintains optimal Ethylene levels in potato stores, preventing sprouting, preserving sugar levels with protection of fry colours, and minimising weight loss through three revolutionary steps:

1. The sensor: Our newly designed Ethylene sensor offers unparalleled accuracy and response time. It excludes interference from other molecules, ensuring the most precise continuous Ethylene sensing system in potato storage. Additionally, it measures carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity, providing comprehensive monitoring.
2. The pulse: The innovative ultra-low dosing pulse system delivers controlled Ethylene at parts per billion, below sensor detection levels. This system prepares potatoes for higher Ethylene levels, effectively suppressing sprouting while minimising respiration to protect fry colour and reduce weight loss.
3. The control: Our state-of-the-art Ethylene control management system employs sophisticated algorithms to establish and maintain precise Ethylene levels in commercial storage facilities. This gradual increase in Ethylene levels ensures superior storage outcomes.

 

5 key benefits of Precision Ethylene Treatment technology

1. Accurate Ethylene Control: Leverage the latest in software and sensor innovations for precise control of ethylene levels, preventing overexposure ensuring top-quality potato storage.
2. Protection of fry colour: Maintain excellent fry colour through precise Ethylene level management.
3. Reduction in fuel consumption: Lower operational costs and environmental impact with reduced fuel consumption.
4. Gentle treatment for potatoes: Preserve the quality of your potatoes from storage to market with gentle, controlled treatment reducing weight loss.
5. Patent-pending technology: Farmers can rely on our new, innovative technology, that sets the industry standard for sprout suppression and potato preservation, ensuring the best results.

Restrain's new Precision Ethylene Treatment technology represents a quantum leap in potato storage solutions, reaffirming our commitment to innovation and excellence. Join us in embracing this revolutionary technology for superior potato storage outcomes.

 

Date of market introduction in Belgium (if still in development: expected date of launch)
01/09/2024

Briefly formulate what is new. If your innovation is selected for inclusion in the innovation route, your text will be used as the basis for the texts in the communication to the visitors, press, etc... (max. textarea: 1000 characters)
Precision Ethylene Treatment (PET) is a patent pending new innovation that delivers ethylene in pulsed doses of just parts per billion. The invention allows the potatoes to acclimatise to ethylene, avoiding respiration increases and protecting fry colour. Ethylene levels can then be increased to sprout control levels safely. Additionally new technology in Restrain’s control sensor incorporates filters allowing it to be uniquely the only sensor for continual measurement of ethylene. The new digital software removes electrical noise from the sensor allowing accurate reliable ethylene measurement in commercial potato stores at just 0.1ppm. A further innovation is the development of an algorithm controlled feedback system between the ethylene sensor and the management system of the ethylene generator. This algorithm allows levels as low as 0.1ppm to be maintained accurately in commercial unmodified potato stores. PET reduces fuel use, weight loss and protects fry colour

Added value for the user (in commercial terms, user-friendliness ...)
The pulse introduction of ethylene avoids crop respiration increases. As a direct result fan hours and venting can be reduced from the potato store . So a direct saving is in less energy consumption. Reduced fan hours also has a direct impact on crop weight loss during storage. A reduction of 1% weight loss in a 1000t store is worth 2-3000 euro. The value of the crop is also maintained due to good fry colours The PET control system through its more efficient control in commercial tests delivered a 40% reduction in fuel usage compared to the previous system. This gave a storage season fuel cost reduction of 1620 euro. For the user the Restrain generator does all the PET technology automatically and requires no modification to the potato store. The store manager need only select the desired program for their crop and press start when the potatoes break dormancy.

Added value for the further sustainability and professionalization of the potato sector.
Restrains ethylene is the most sustainable, low carbon, no residue consumer friendly potato sprout suppression option. The Restrain Fuel (ethanol) is produced from renewable crops. The ethanol is converted to ethylene in situ in the potato store using a very energy efficient catalytic process. The PET technology further reduces the amount of Restrain fuel required making the system even more sustainable. Ethylene is a natural plant hormone produced by all living plants with no mammalian toxicity making it extremely safe for users.