The wave of recent innovations in food preservation have given rise to thrilling new products. Consider ethylene-absorbing discs, for instance, which claim to extend the shelf life of perishables. Unlike most other available discs that work mechanically, this disc specifically targets ethylene. This plant hormone accelerates ripening when its concentration reaches above one ppb. Our side-by-side test against the gold standard banana showed consumers shouldn’t have to settle for second-best with this gadget.
Conducted over a course of ten days, the test laid bananas on top of the ethylene-absorbing disc. By the conclusion of the trial, the bananas had all become soft and “unpalatable.” This shocking outcome cast serious doubt on the reliability of the disc as a method of food preservation. In comparison, experimental approaches such as banana bags and food huggers have proven more effective at preserving foods longer.
Notwithstanding this launch, the ethylene-absorbing disc has not yet made it to UK retailers. In comparison, similar products such as banana bags are easily purchased online, at just £5.99. This raises important considerations for consumers seeking effective solutions for reducing food waste, which averages nearly £700 annually per family.
Experts have started to weigh in on the environmental impact of food waste. When food waste is sent to the landfill, it pollutes our environment by emitting methane—a harmful greenhouse gas—while creating carbon dioxide. Emma Marsh is the star of Wraps’ Love Food Hate Waste campaign. She calls attention to the shocking depth of food that Americans purchase and subsequently waste.
“A staggering amount of food is bought and then thrown in the bin,” – Emma Marsh, Wrap’s Love Food Hate Waste campaign.
The ethylene-absorbing disc is just one product in a rapidly expanding consumer market for food preservation products designed to fight waste. Despite this, its real world application performance is still very much up for debate. At the test scrimmage, it was tested and compared against several other options, including Lakeland’s mushroom bag and Stayfresh food bag. The ensuing tests proved that the ethylene-absorbing disc was not very effective at prolonging the life of bananas. Other products were far superior to this one at doing that.
Kelly Morgan from Lakeland noted that their banana bags provide superior insulation. They regulate air flow to prevent their bananas from over-ripening. She stated, “The banana bags provide the right amount of insulation and air to stop bananas over-ripening.”
“The fruit should stay good for around a fortnight – twice the normal lifespan,” – Kelly Morgan, Lakeland.
Reducing food waste is definitely a goal to aspire to. Experts, including Toine Timmermans from Wageningen University and Research Centre, contend that these products, like the ethylene-absorbing disc, provide marginal benefits to consumers.
“Ethylene absorbers have no real benefits at household level,” – Toine Timmermans, Wageningen University and Research Centre.
The continued interest in fermentation and other methods of preserving food is a testament to how people are waking up to sustainability challenges. In the words of Nigel Berman, owner of Brighton-based online retailer Nigel’s Eco Store, it’s been astounding. Food preservation products are quickly on track to become one of the business world’s most successful fastest growing sectors.
“Food preservation products are one of the fastest growing areas of the business,” – Nigel Berman, Nigel’s Eco Store.