Ugandan Entrepreneurs Develop Biodegradable Sachet to Extend Fruit Shelf Life, Combat Food Waste
Two Ugandan entrepreneurs have developed Karpolax, a biodegradable sachet designed to significantly extend the shelf life of fresh fruit. This innovation, created by agricultural science students from Makerere University in Kampala, releases natural vapors from cloves, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and wintergreen. These vapors work by reducing the amount of ethylene gas fruit releases, which is a key trigger for ripening, and by protecting the fruit from mold, fungi, and bacteria. Pilot tests conducted with Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organisation demonstrated remarkable results, with mangoes remaining fresh for 33 days compared to the usual 11 days. The sachets have also proven effective with bananas, apples, and oranges, with versions for pineapples, peppers, and berries currently under development. Karpolax is designed for use by farmers, transporters, packers, and retailers, requiring only that a sachet be placed in a box of fruit. A significant advantage of this technology is its ability to fun...
