COLD CHAIN STORAGE CHALLENGES

Refrigeration evaporator fans naturally extract moisture from the internal air of the cold room during the chilling process. This leads to progressively lower relative humidity (RH) levels—particularly during non-operational periods when doors remain closed and the same air is continuously recirculated with ever-diminishing moisture content.

Conversely, during peak operating periods, “fresh air” enters the cold room through frequent door openings. While this temporarily increases RH, it does not achieve stable or consistent humidity levels. The result is a continual fluctuation in RH, which is detrimental to product quality, shelf life, and weight retention.

An external intervention is therefore required—not to artificially humidify the space, but to stabilise relative humidity within an optimal range.

Sorbite filters achieve this by absorbing excess moisture when RH levels are high and releasing stored moisture when levels drop, thereby maintaining a balanced environment within the cold room. This dynamic buffering effect results in consistently stable humidity levels, even during extended closed-door periods or fluctuating operational conditions.

In addition, Sorbite filters assist in the reduction of airborne bacteria and the removal of ethylene gas, further enhancing product preservation and supporting HACCP protocols.

The ideal cold storage condition for most fresh produce is a stable RH range of approximately 80% to 90%, combined with continuous air quality management. This is most effectively achieved through passive, energy-free, and environmentally friendly solutions such as Sorbite.

Temperature manages risk (food safety), Humidity delivers the margin!