INCLUSION OF ETHYLENE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY ON EXISTING MULTI TEMPERATURE REFRIGERATED CONTAINER SYSTEM

The natural process of ripening for fresh fruits and vegetables (FF&V) releases ethylene gas and as the concentration of ethylene increases in an enclosed environment, the ripening and spoilage process accelerates. Annually, the deterioration of produce arriving to our different Main Operating Bases (MOB) increases the burden on waste, cost, and logistics to the Army's budget. This study focuses on the viability of integrating ethylene control devices (ECD) in the Multi-Temperature Refrigerated Container System (MTRCS) to prolong the shelf life of FF&V. MTRCS are currently used by Army units in the field to store the food products they receive from the transportation pipeline. Although already in production, the Product Manager Force Sustainment Systems (PM FSS) office is considering an equipment modification that would install an ECD to the MTRCS, removing excess ethylene from containers storing FF&V. Prolonging the shelf life of these items has huge cost and morale (possibly even health) implications for our troops downrange. Through a cost benefit analysis methodology and return on investment calculations, we demonstrate that the ECD modification to be affordable and cost effective, which avoids FFV arriving in the field at the tail end of the pipeline, already somewhat degraded.Civilian, Department of the ArmyCivilian, Department of the ArmyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited