Interko drives sustainability through smarter and more efficient fruit ripening

Sustainability has become a key driver behind the way Interko develops its technologies and services, with a focus on improving energy efficiency, maintaining fruit quality and optimising ripening processes. Through these solutions, the company aims to help customers reduce operating costs while supporting more sustainable fruit supply chains.

One of the key questions guiding Interko’s innovation journey has been how to ripen fruit more energy efficiently while maintaining quality and reducing food waste. The company’s developments over recent years have focused on addressing this challenge through new technologies and improvements to existing installations.

Technologies that optimise airflow and reduce energy consumption

In 2016, Interko introduced the REVERSO fan, a technology that reverses airflow during the ripening process to promote more uniform ripening and consistent fruit quality. In addition to improving process uniformity, the system can deliver energy savings of up to 65%.

In 2022, the company introduced the Fourth (FTH) Model, an equal-airflow ripening room designed to reduce energy consumption by up to 72%. The design enables operators to achieve the required ripening conditions while using significantly less energy.

Digitalisation for more efficient and precise ripening

More recently, Interko has introduced RipePilot, a control system designed to take efficiency to another level. According to the company, the technology can reduce fan power consumption by up to 35%.

Digitalisation is also playing an increasingly important role in Interko’s sustainability strategy. RipePilot allows operators to work with fruit-specific ripening programmes for bananas, avocados and mangoes. By combining sensor information, algorithms and performance data, the system helps operators respond to variations in the fruit entering the ripening room and achieve more consistent results.

The system also gives operators greater visibility into the ripening process, helping them monitor quality, track performance and generate reports for further analysis. This data-driven approach enables more precise control of ripening operations and allows customers to respond more quickly to changing conditions and market requirements.

More consistent ripening can also contribute to reducing avoidable food waste by helping ensure that fruit reaches the desired quality and ripeness.

Improving existing ripening infrastructure

Interko’s sustainability strategy is not limited to the development of new technologies. The company also focuses on improving existing ripening rooms through retrofitting, upgrading installations to make them more energy efficient without replacing the entire room.

In projects carried out in Germany and England, for example, customers have achieved the same level of performance while saving more than 40% in energy following retrofitting projects.

This approach combines lower energy consumption with reduced operating costs and improved operational performance. It also extends the useful life of existing infrastructure, supporting a more resource-efficient approach to ripening technology.

Interko moves towards smarter and more sustainable ripening

For Interko, innovation and sustainability therefore go hand in hand. By continuously improving its products, services and digital solutions, the company aims to help customers operate more efficiently, reduce waste and maintain consistent fruit quality.

Interko’s innovation journey is far from over. The company says it will soon introduce its latest development, continuing its focus on smarter and more sustainable ripening solutions. Further updates will be shared through Interko’s LinkedIn channel.

More information.