To save some of the fruit and vegetables from the waste bin, four Technical University of Denmark (DTU) students have, in connection with the Open Innovation X (Oi-X) initiative Oi-X FOOD at DTU, developed the storage solution FreshNest.
The plastic box for the fridge which provides ideal conditions for fruit and vegetables so they stay fresh for up to three times as long as usual.
At the finals in October 2017, the invention has won first place and a prize of DKK 25,000 (US$3,909.81).
The transparent plastic storage box contains a filter that absorbs much of the oxygen in the box that would otherwise help rotting micro-organisms to multiply.
Another filter has antibacterial properties, which help to keep the microorganisms in check.
The box also has built-in humidity control, which also helps to slow the ripening process.
The group sees people who would like to help the environment and save money as potential FreshNest buyers.
It is preparing a plan for the next stage of the development process, and looking into whether the concept can become a commercial success, and how it can be expanded so it can be used for other food types such as meat and fish.
Story by Miriam Meister of DTU
