Grape export industry gets boost with
award-winning new technology
The increasing role and contributions of commercializable innovation in the
sciences can lead to the strengthening of the country's competitiveness in the
international sphere and in growing the economy. These techno-entrepreneurs are
the key to promoting and achieving these national objectives.
South African universities and technikons are home to hot new innovations in
the sciences, health sciences and engineering fields. Highlighting these talents
is the annual Catalyst Innovation Competition, targeted at recognising the
commercializable innovations developed by students at all universities and
technikons in South Africa in the Science, Health Science and Engineering
Faculties.
One of the winners in this year's competition was Willie Opperman of
Stellenbosch university for his innovation in the packaging of table grapes.
Export of table grapes gets new boost with latest technology: new polymeric
SO2 gas-generating sheet - Dr Willie Opperman
South Africa is one of the major exporters of table grapes in the world market.
For the 2000/2001 season it is estimated that SA exported in excess of 37
million cartons of grapes generating foreign capital to the amount of over R1
billion.
To reach these markets, fruit from South Africa spend an average of 4 weeks
at sea and at least another week in cold storage at the market before it is
sold. During this time grapes could be damaged by the bacteria Botrytis
cinerea. The only means which is both practical and economical to ensure the
quality of the fruit and prevent its decay by Botrytis cinerea during
post harvest storage and during travel, is the use of special sheets for
in-package SO2 gas treatment, combined with cold storage.
In South Africa however, rising costs of the locally manufactured and
imported sheets, lack of availability and irregularly high SO2
emissions, coupled with stricter food legislation and changing export
requirements of international buyers has stimulated thorough research to ensure
that South Africa stays competitive in the world market.
New SO2 gas-generating sheet
 In a research program initialised by South African table grape producers, an
alternative polymeric SO2 gas-generating sheet (Vinguard™)
was developed based on technology used widely in the pharmaceutical industry.
Vinguard™ consist of a polymer matrix with active release particles
dispersed evenly through the matrix. Release of SO2 gas takes place
through a monolithic release mechanism once the sheet comes into contact with
the high levels of moisture present inside the grape packaging. Local and
international patents protect the technology on which the Vinguard™ sheet is
based.
During Willem Opperman's Ph.D. study a production process was developed and a
small-scale production unit assembled to manufacture the Vinguard™ SO2
gas-generating sheets with a high degree of consistency and conformance to
strict quality guidelines.
The performance of the Vinguard™ SO2 sheets compare
favourably to commercial products. A major advantage of the Vinguard™ sheets
is the degree of adaptability of these new sheets with regards to shape and
size, and the ease by which the release profile can be manipulated (higher or
lower SO2 emission levels), without the need for additional
equipment or significant increases in cost.
The first phase to commercialisation will commence this coming season when
limited quantities of these sheets will be made available to farmers.
Manufacturing of the Vinguard™ sheets will be conducted on the small-scale
production plant by Vinguard (Pty) Ltd., a company established and funded by the
Deciduous Fruit Producers Trust (DFPT) to manage the transition of this project
from a research project to a commercial venture.
More Information on the Catalyst Innovation Competition at www.acorn.org.za
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