Ecoplants is a Korean company that produces FreshLong, ethylene management products which are used in the cold chain to keep produce fresh on its journey to market.
"FreshLong works by releasing 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) gas, a synthetic compound that binds to the ethylene receptors in climacteric fruits and vegetables. Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that accelerates ripening and senescence. By temporarily blocking the ethylene receptors, 1-MCP delays these physiological processes, helping maintain firmness, color, and nutritional quality for an extended period," explains Seokin (John) Back, Global Sales & Marketing at Ecoplants.
© Ecoplants
"FreshLong consists of two liquid components that are mixed within a patented generator device. Upon mixing, a controlled chemical reaction generates fresh 1-MCP gas directly at the site of use. This ensures maximum efficacy without the need for carrier materials or reconstitution steps. Compared to other product types (e.g., powders or tablets), FreshLong's liquid-based system allows for simplified handling, faster gas release, and reduced variability in field conditions."
The expected result is a significant extension of postharvest shelf life and quality preservation throughout the supply chain, especially in high-value fruits prone to rapid deterioration after harvest.
FreshLong is applied during the storage stage—typically after harvest and post-precooling, but before the fruit enters shipping and distribution. This timing is critical because ethylene sensitivity peaks shortly after harvest in climacteric fruits, triggering rapid ripening and quality loss.
© Ecoplants
"Our product releases 1-MCP gas, which binds irreversibly to ethylene receptors, blocking ethylene signal transduction. As a result, it inhibits the activation of ripening and senescence genes. This slows or prevents tissue degradation, maintains firmness and titratable acidity, and extends shelf life, without altering the fruit's natural development once ethylene signaling resumes later. By targeting ethylene rather than respiration, FreshLong allows the fruit to remain in a non-senescent physiological state during storage and shipping, with no direct impact on temperature or gas composition, making it compatible with various cold chain conditions."
FreshLong is available as a two-part liquid formulation, Component A and Component B. When these two liquids are mixed inside the generator, they react instantly to produce 1-MCP gas. The process is clean, controlled, and leaves no residue on the fruit. This gas is then dispersed in the sealed storage environment, ensuring uniform exposure. It is suitable for all climacteric fruits, which are characterized by a significant ethylene production spike after harvest, including apples, bananas, avocados, mangoes, papayas, kiwifruits, tomatoes, and durians.
© Ecoplants
FreshLong is currently officially registered in Korea. Registration processes are underway in India, Iran, and additional jurisdictions to expand its global reach.
FreshLong is actively exploring opportunities in new markets, especially Southeast Asia, where tropical fruits like durian, banana, and papaya dominate. South America, particularly for export-oriented fruits like mango and avocado. Europe and North America, for high-quality fruit storage and retail supply chains, and Africa, where postharvest loss rates are especially high and the benefit potential is significant.
"We aim to work with regional partners to adapt our technology to local crops, logistics, and regulatory needs."
For more information:
Seokin (John) Back
Ecoplants
Tel: +82 70 4821 3607
[email protected]
www.ecoplants.co.kr