Since 2021, Florca has owned a vacuum cooler. But what exactly are the benefits of this vacuum cooler?
The benefits of vacuum cooling for sending and packaging flowers
When shipping and packing flowers for air freight, maintaining quality and freshness is of utmost importance. These delicate products require special care to ensure they maintain their best possible condition until they reach their destination. One technology that has gained considerable popularity in the flower industry in recent years is vacuum cooling. This innovative process has proven to be a gamechanger, with numerous advantages for shipping and packing these fragile crops.
The process of vacuum cooling explained
Vacuum cooling is a pre-cooling method in which the product is placed in an airtight chamber. Air is then sucked out of this chamber. This crucial aspect of the process accelerates the evaporation of moisture from the product itself. It is the evaporation of this moisture that extracts so much energy - and therefore heat - that the temperature inside the product drops rapidly. In fact, the desired temperature can be reached in as little as 15-30 minutes. This fast and even cooling has a number of important advantages for the flower sector.
Extended shelf life
One of the main advantages of vacuum cooling for flowers is the extended shelf life it offers. The rapid cooling process slows the growth of micro-organisms and moulds, meaning flowers and plants stay fresh for longer. This is crucial for international exports, where products can sometimes be several days in transit before they arrive at their destination.
Maintaining quality
Besides extended shelf life, vacuum cooling also ensures that the quality of flowers is better preserved. The rapid cooling process minimises the loss of moisture, resulting in firmer and fresher products. This is especially important for flowers, whose appearance and longevity depend heavily on moisture retention.
Energy efficiency
Another significant advantage of vacuum cooling is energy efficiency. The process uses significantly less energy than traditional cooling methods. This is due to the fact that vacuum cooling mainly extracts heat from the moisture in the product itself, which requires significantly less energy than cooling the entire room. This results in cost savings, making vacuum cooling not only more effective but also cheaper than traditional cooling technologies.
Sustainability
The sustainability of vacuum cooling is a factor that should not be overlooked. By consuming less energy, this process contributes to reducing the carbon footprint. Less energy consumption means less greenhouse gas emissions, which is crucial at a time when sustainability is high on the agenda. Companies can proudly use vacuum refrigeration as an eco-friendly option to cool and ship their products, while reducing their costs. In conclusion, vacuum cooling offers significant advantages for shipping and packing flowers and plants for air cargo. The rapid cooling process results in an extended shelf life and preservation of quality, which is vital for the international flower market. Moreover, vacuum cooling is energy-efficient and sustainable, making it a valuable investment for companies in the agricultural and food industries. With a focus on sustainability, companies can not only ship their products around the world in optimal condition, but also have a positive impact on the environment.
