Potato sorting improvement, plastic container, new cardboard system, ozone and better apple harvest

Follow five of the novelties related to postharvest included in Fruit Logistica 2020 Spotlight: Well-sorted potatoesDutch company Marcelissen used FRUIT LOGISTICA 2020 to present its brand new visual sorter for the potato processing industry. After extensive tests, the machine is now ready for serial production. Its most important innovation is a mechanical emptying system. This system gently pushes the product into the right "outlet", which reliably prevents product damage and contamination. The visual sorter is equipped with the latest image processing technology. With its unique camera positioning it achieves a perfect 360-degree image of each individual potato. Sorting algorithms can be programmed to focus on size, colour and spoiled spots so as to perform the right sorting for the customer.Marcelissen Securely packagedAs a manufacturer of packaging, the Mondi Group presented a new line of packaging at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2020 with its innovative cardboard system FirstClassFlutes. It protects sensitive goods from the first stacking in the producer's premises until final delivery at the point of sale, even under difficult conditions. FirstClassFlutes are made from 100 per cent primary fibres, are compatible with a variety of base weights, and support numerous packaging formats and end applications. The Mondi Group's extensive portfolio allows for customised solutions for individual needs and also optimises the packaging weight to suit the customer's needs as well as those of the goods during transportation, handling and storage.Mondi More freshness thanks to OzonKorean company Ozonaid specialists in sterilisation in the foodstuffs and agriculture sectors with Ozon. The oxygen isotope reliably makes fresh foods last longer during transport and storage. It destroys microorganisms without leaving residue on the foods or in the environment, because its components break down into oxygen. This means that Ozon is also ideal for cleaning agricultural machinery or food production machines. But Ozon can also decompose pesticide residue on food without affecting their nutrient content. The technology, developed at the University of Illinois, is already being used for a variety of applications and is sold worldwide by Ozonaid.Ozonaid More room for fresh foodWith its new product Agri Bins 113x113 Gran Volume, Penta-Plast is addressing the agriculture industry's need for large harvest containers. The plastic boxes are also ideal for the produce industry. They are made from robust plastic and can thus be reused many times over. The material is recyclable and complies with high hygiene standards. Agri Bins are available in three different heights: 58, 63 and 76 centimetres. They also come in a variety of colours that can be suited to the customer's wishes. Penta-Plast has been on the market since 1985 and sells its products throughout the EU. It is listed in the CO.N.I.P. (National Consortium Plastic Packaging) and actively works to utilise and recycle unused packaging.Penta-Plast srl Better apple harvest via appThe Pixofarm app makes it possible to monitor apple growth via mobile phone and make predictions on the harvest. The app, resulting from 30 years of academic research and honed AI technology, gives fruit producers exact and prompt information on fruit growth, and thus the ability to monitor their fruit orchards. With these parameters they can manage their resources more efficiently, reduce risks, and take measures to optimise their seasonal yields. According to the manufacturer, international customers have been able to increase their harvest by up to 35 per cent with the Pixofarm methodology. Smartphone photos of a certain quantity of apples with the Pixofarm stickers serve as the basis for the determinations. Prognoses are calculated after each sample and are immediately displayed on the smartphone.Pixofarm Pictures1 - Well-sorted potatoes2 - FirstClassFlutes ensure secure transport of sensitive goods3 - Ozonaid specialises in cleaning with Ozon4 - Penta-Plast shows its new Agri Bins5 - With the Pixofarm app, fruit producers can track the growth of their fruit