THE FUTURE OF FOOD PRESERVATION? AIR TREATMENT
Four questions to Luca Cantorelli, Senior Engineer, Studio Volpi.

Q: What solutions are offered today to counter the presence of bacteria in the refrigerator?

A: Today there are antibacterial filters and ultraviolet LED lights placed near the ventilators or attached to the shelves. Alongside these, in the world of professional cleaning and in the medical field, antibacterial films or antibacterial plastic are used, obtainedby combining antimicrobial additives with the materials. These are partially effective solutions, and in the case of the health care and professional world the results are certainly more valid and lasting. Total elimination rather than just controlling the proliferation of bacteria is undoubtedly the trend of the future of food preservation, but there is still a long way to go.

Q: In what direction?

A: In my opinion, we need to look at the technical solutions being used in other areas that are already suitable for use inside a refrigerator.

Q: For example?

A: The world of sanitisation and air purification. Taking on board what already exists in the world of air treatment, we could begin by utilising the ventilation systems, primarily at this point forced ventilation based on No Frost technology, that includes purification using UV lamps or filters, for the elimination of bacteria.

It’s not a cheap or easy route, but inmy opinion, it’s where we should be heading in the near future so we can succeed in our efforts to offer really long lasting and permanent solutions. Inthe future, I think we’ll need to completely rethink the design of the refrigerator, taking into account larger amounts of food being stored, so we can offer products that meet the needs of new generations, the consumers of tomorrow.

Q: And in the meantime, what can we do?

A: What the industry can do today, and what some have already started to do via dedicated applications or Point of Purchase materials, is educate the consumer to adopt new approaches to using the refrigerator for the best food preservation.