Food waste is a significant challenge in modern society. Luckily, the o3 system presents an effective solution.
Every year, billions of tonnes of food are wasted globally, contributing to environmental degradation and exacerbating food insecurity. In the UK alone, around 6.2 million tonnes of food is wasted each year on average in the food industry. This is a complex challenge that must be met with innovative solutions, and here at Ozone Direct we’re proud to push back against food waste with the revolutionary o3 system used in our products. In today’s blog post, we’ll be taking a quick look at what the o3 system is, and what sort of applications it has in the food industry.
What is the o3 system and how does it work?
O3 stands for Ozone, a powerful chemical compound made up of three oxygen molecules. Historically, Ozone has been used to disinfect drinking water, and in recent years it has become integral in the food industry.
This naturally occurring gas is highly reactive and can be used to destroy odours, bacteria, and mould, making it incredibly useful in food processing applications. In an o3 system, Ozone is artificially generated and released into the atmosphere, where the Ozone molecules react with organic matter, such as bacteria, and break it down into harmless byproducts.
How can an o3 system help reduce food waste?
Developments in Ozone technology have revolutionised the food industry, and o3 systems bring a number of fantastic benefits to crucial aspects of food processing, transport, and storage. From removing odours to extending the shelf life of food, o3 systems can help to reduce food waste in more ways than one.
Extending shelf life
One of the main causes of food waste is premature spoilage, as fruits, vegetables, and other perishable items are prone to succumb to microbial growth, leading to rot and decay. Luckily, Ozone applications have been proven to dramatically extend the shelf life of spices, fresh produce, meats and poultry, fish, dairy, and beverages. The o3 system used in our products effectively inhibits the growth of bacteria, moulds, and yeasts, thus improving the shelf life of these products without affecting their taste, appearance, or nutritional content.
Preserving food without chemicals
Unlike traditional preservation methods that rely on chemicals such as Chlorine, Ozone offers a natural, safe alternative and has even been shown to be 50% stronger than chlorine without using as high of a concentration. Our o3 system enables you to generate Ozone on-site, eliminating the need for harmful additives or preservatives. This not only ensures the safety and purity of the food but also aligns with the growing consumer demand for chemical-free products.
Reducing spoilage in transportation
The journey from farm to table is long and fraught with challenges. Because food spends a long time in transit, food transportation plays a significant role in the efficacy of preservation. Temperature fluctuations, humidity, and contamination during transit can all contribute to spoilage and waste. By integrating our o3 system into food transportation, our Ozone products can create a protective barrier against these threats, maintaining quality and freshness throughout the supply chain and minimising food waste along the way.
Versatile applications
The versatility of Ozone opens up a world of possibilities for reducing food waste. From agriculture and food processing to restaurants and supermarkets, our Ozone generators can be seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructures, such as cold store rooms or logistics warehouses.
How can Ozone Direct help?
Here at Ozone Direct, we’re passionate about harnessing the power of Ozone to help UK businesses tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: food waste. Our extensive range of Ozone generators all employ state-of-the-art o3 system technology and can be installed in environments where there is a need to keep food fresher for longer.
Looking to minimise food waste in your business and ensure your produce remains fresh? Get in touch today to find out how we can help.