The
reduction or elimination of refrigerated transport and the
commensurate
reduction in energy use, refrigerants and greenhouse
gas
emissions
would be of significant benefit for industry,
community
and the environment. An additional benefit could
come
from
greater volumetric advantages in both trucks and
containers
through increased stowage area occurring through elimination
of
space requirements for insulation and refrigeration
equipment.
It would also seem possible that modelling of the
temperature/ethylene
and
postharvest life relationship for other
commodities
could find a similar energy conservation benefit for
specific
market channels. The principle could also apply to super-
markets
which make extensive use of refrigeration even though
produce
is only held for a short period.