TECHNICAL
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1 . Berry delves into innovative solutions aimed at enhancing airflow uniformity within shipping containers .
2 . Remaining shelf life before and after cold storage .
need for precise temperature control technologies and methodologies .
INNOVATIONS IN CONTAINERISATION AND AIRFLOW CONTROL
Berry delves into innovative solutions aimed at enhancing airflow uniformity within shipping containers . Technologies like the ‘ void block ’ and newly developed ‘ floaty ’ improve airflow distribution , reducing temperature differentials within containers . These advancements not only optimise fruit quality but also streamline logistics , ensuring consistent product performance across varying environmental conditions .
“ Innovative packaging solutions play a crucial role in maintaining fruit integrity and minimising damage during transit . Novel measurement techniques borrowed from other industries , such as resistance testing , provide valuable insights into airflow dynamics within packaging , optimising fruit preservation strategies .”
Berry encourages expanded infrastructure , including more depots and cold storage facilities , to accommodate growing citrus production and facilitate efficient global distribution . Collaborative efforts across the industry , including research institutions , governmental bodies , and private enterprises , are crucial in driving innovations that address current challenges and pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable citrus supply chain .
There are challenges associated with implementing new container designs within the industry . Despite the proven benefits of improved airflow , integrating these innovations requires overcoming technical hurdles and addressing concerns around logistical compatibility and operational changes . In addition to physical innovations , Berry introduces a data-driven approach to optimise container cooling processes . By leveraging big data analytics , Berry and his team analyse temperature variations within containers and correlate these findings with fruit quality outcomes . This approach not only enhances predictive capabilities but also informs strategic decisions to mitigate risks and improve overall supply chain efficiency . Reflecting on his experiences , Berry discusses unexpected challenges
encountered during implementation , such as unforeseen impacts on production machinery due to minor design modifications . This highlights the importance of rigorous testing and collaboration across multiple stakeholders to preemptively address potential issues and ensure seamless integration of new technologies .
Berry introduces the concept of digital twins , which replicate real-world processes within a virtual environment . For each shipment , a digital twin provides a comprehensive view of temperature variations , moisture loss ( transpiration ), and other critical factors impacting fruit quality . By integrating data from sensors and historical climate records , the Stellenbosch University team simulates environmental conditions to predict shelf-life degradation and identify optimal shipping strategies .
Using 2021 data , Berry demonstrated to the Summit how digital twin simulations analyse every pallet ' s journey through the supply chain . This simulation captures the dynamic interplay between packaging types , fruit varieties , and storage conditions . For instance , oranges exhibit varying shelf-life capacities based on temperature fluctuations during transit . Insights gleaned from these simulations highlight critical points where quality deterioration occurs , empowering stakeholders to implement targeted interventions .
There is an inherent variability in fruit quality across different stages of the supply chain . From initial cold storage to containerised shipping and retail distribution , maintaining consistent quality poses significant challenges . Soft-skin varieties are prone to accelerated quality decline , with some shipments arriving at retail with minimal viable shelf life . These findings point to the need for precise temperature management and packaging strategies to mitigate quality loss effectively .
Berry ' s research represents a paradigm shift in citrus supply chain logistics , driven by technological advancements and empirical insights . By harnessing digital twins and advanced analytics , stakeholders can navigate complexities , minimize waste , and uphold stringent quality standards . CLA
28 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za COLD LINK AFRICA • October 2024