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Controlled Atmosphere for Reefer Container

in the Supply Chain Management of Fresh Food

Fresh food is essential for the health and nutrition of people globally. The supply chain for transporting and managing the freshness of food spans the world but can be very wasteful. It is estimated that 30% to 50% (or 1.2-2 billion tons) of all food produced on the planet is lost before reaching a human stomach.

In a sustainable world this problem must be solved. Purfresh's Controlled Atmosphere -- is an innovative solution that creates, controls and monitors the optimal environment for transporting the freshest and safest food to the consumer. The unique comprehensive solution combines and controls the full range of environmental elements, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and ozone, atmospheres and temperature, as well as real-time monitoring of these factors and RH. Different fruits and vegetables have unique needs and shelf life challenges, whether sensitivity to ethylene, susceptibility to mold, chilling injury, ripening control, and others. Purfresh's Controlled Atmosphere provides the flexibility to meet these various needs, resulting in minimal shrink and optimized quality, nutritional value and shelf life.

The result of CA is the freshest, healthiest, safest and most economical supply chain for the delivery of fresh food. Purfresh's CA will directly impact the supply of food around the world and support the reduction of waste.

Purfresh Works the Way Shipping Works

Purfresh’ Controlled Atmosphere technology is not only highly effective, it’s also easy to use. The system will increase CO2, decrease O2, and add Ozone inside the refrigerated container environment. Designed to align with existing logistics processes, the Purfresh system offers shippers and ocean carriers alike a number of benefits, including:

  • Global availability—Purfresh is broadly available from ocean carriers all over the world.
  • “Per-Trip Service” flexibility—Just ask for Purfresh when the cargo needs extra protection.
  • Compatibility—Purfresh works with entire fleet; it’s not limited to new or leak-proof containers.
  • Pre-trip simplicity—The portable unit simply mounts into the existing evaporator fan access panel and can be operational in as little as 15 minutes. No special pre-trip preparation is required (e.g., leak tests, curtains, etc.).
  • Non-intrusiveness—Purfresh does not take up valuable cargo space inside the container.
The Power of Ozone combined with controlled atmosphere

Purfresh is the only solution proven effective to minimize decay, control ripening, and enhance food safety without the use of chemicals, making it an ideal solution to protect decay-prone or ethylene-sensitive cargo. Scientifically engineered, the system enhances the atmosphere inside the container with an active form of oxygen—commonly referred to as ozone—to control molds, yeasts, ethylene, Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria and other contaminants in the air and on surfaces. Because it uses oxygen from the air, Purfresh is able to continuously generate ozone throughout the voyage.

Click here to learn more about the power of ozone.

Certified for use with organic produce and approved by the USDA and the FDA, ozone acts as a powerful, residue-free disinfectant that immediately reverts to oxygen, leaving the product’s natural taste, texture, and smell intact.

Growers and Shippers

For years, growers and shippers tried to protect their cargo with traditional controlled or modified atmosphere systems, fungicides, and temperature recorders. But these systems lacked vital capabilities. They couldn’t reduce decay, reduce pathogens, control ripening, and enhance food safety simultaneously. They couldn’t be monitored in real time. And the reefer conditions couldn’t be adjusted en route. Purfresh solves these deficiencies with full transparency real-time monitoring and ozone response. Proven, cost effective, and chemical free, Purfresh is the ideal solution for cargo requiring strict ethylene, humidity, oxygen, and carbon dioxide adherence, and comprehensive post-voyage data.

In addition to protecting your investment while in transit, Purfresh:

  • Extends shelf life – allowing more time to reach the buyer
  • Reduces or eliminates chemical use
  • Complies with USDA and FDA organic guidelines
  • Maintains freshness – ensuring you receive the maximum value for your shipment
  • Saves money by reducing waste, repack, and related claims processing
  • Enables sensitive produce to be economically shipped longer distances – helping you reach and develop new markets
  • Provides on-demand trip reports and claim defense
  • Purfresh is the ideal solution for multiple commodities, learn more
Ocean Carriers

For years, customers tried to protect their cargo with traditional controlled or modified atmosphere systems, fungicides, and temperature recorders. But these systems lacked vital capabilities. They couldn’t reduce decay, reduce pathogens, control ripening, and enhance food safety simultaneously. They couldn’t be monitored in real time. And the reefer conditions couldn’t be adjusted en route. Purfresh solves these deficiencies with full transparency real-time monitoring and ozone response. Proven, cost effective, and chemical free, Purfresh is the ideal solution for cargo requiring strict ethylene, humidity, oxygen, and carbon dioxide adherence, and comprehensive post-voyage data.

Proven effective, Purfresh keeps your customers happy and your workers safe.

With Purfresh you can:

  • Increase revenue per TEU – expands types of reefer commodities for premium shipments
  • Increase market opportunities – new routes now possible because commodities can survive on the ocean
  • Reduce costs – reduce claims processing and minimize labor requirements associated with CA
  • Increase asset utilization – works on new or existing containers and does not require pressure testing or gas injection

Learn more about Purfresh's Cargo Monitoring capabilities.

Retailers, Insist on Purfresh for:
  • Extended shelf life—decrease shrink and decay
  • Optimize inventory
  • Differentiation—promote the added value of residue-free produce and take advantage of our Quality by Purfresh program to further separate you from your competition
  • Trip analytics and incident/claim management
Quality by Purfresh – A Mark of Progress, Innovation, and Leadership

The Quality by Purfresh program recognizes Purfresh customers who are committed to achieving exceptional quality standards through sustainable practices. Designed to address consumer and industry concerns around food safety, the environment, and worker conditions, the program rewards organizations that improve post-harvest processes enhancing food safety and reduce chemical use within their operations. Companies receiving the distinguished “Quality by Purfresh” mark have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and a focus on providing some of the highest quality food in the industry. Qualifying customers are recognized with a plaque, promoted on the Purfresh corporate website, and issued the “Quality by Purfresh” logo to display on product packaging, marketing materials, website, and signage.


Showcasing the Quality by Purfresh designation is a clear mark of distinction and
  • Recognizes your commitment to quality, leadership, and innovation
  • Increases visibility and differentiation of your business
  • Enhances credibility in the marketplace

For additional information about Quality by Purfresh, or Purfresh products, please email us or contact the Purfresh Marketing Department at 877.668.0303

Purfresh active atmosphere panels are easy to install, operate, and maintain. The panel simply mounts into the existing evaporator fan access panel and can be operational in as little as 15 minutes.

Much simpler than traditional CA/MA shipments, Purfresh does not require airtight environments or curtains, nor does it take up cargo space inside the container.

Equipped with the Intellipur monitoring and tracking software, the Purfresh system provides an unparalleled level of transparency by monitoring the temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and ozone, as well as the location of the container via GPS tracking. This level of en route visibility can help shippers avoid catastrophic loss by being able to quickly identify problems (such as closed vents) and take the appropriate action before it’s too late to save the load.

Learn more about how it works.
Customer Case Studies

Andano Fruit   Adano Fruit
Customer Contact   Mr. Alejandro Adano
Customer Title   Director
Route   Uruguay to Asia, Europe, and North America
Days of Voyages   29 - 40 Days
Commodities   Blueberries & Mandarins
Problem   Shriveling and mold during ocean transport; limited routes
Solution   Purfresh Active Atmosphere
Results   Reach new market; higher quality fruit
Quote   “Purfresh allows us to reach destinations with confidence that the high quality standards of our products will be maintained when the fruit reaches our customers. Our customers are thrilled with the arrivals, and we will continue to utilize Purfresh for future shipments.”

Comercializadora Tierra Mexicanant   Comercializadora Tierra Mexicanan (Comtiem)
Customer Contact   Mr. Angel Ramirez
Customer Title   International Sales Manager
Route   Mexico to Europe & Mexico to the United Kingdom
Days of Voyages   23 - 28 Days
Commodities   Limes
Problem   Mold & ripening losses on ocean voyages more than 14 days in duration
Solution   Purfresh Active Atmosphere
Results   Improved bottom line – less decay, stronger color & longer shelf life
Quote   “We experienced a significant difference in the quality of the fruit for voyages longer than 14 days utilizing the Purfresh system compared to other solutions. As a result, we experienced fewer claims and an improvement in the company’s bottom line. We are thrilled with the technology and will continue to utilize Purfresh for future shipments.”