Symposium ‘Innovations in seed storage and packaging’

Symposium ‘Innovations in seed storage and packaging‘

Wednesday, 25 September, 13:30 – 15:00

Language: English

1. Benefits of low oxygen seed storage and packaging

Seed companies invest large efforts and budget in optimising production and upgrading of seeds to achieve the highest quality possible. Unfortunately seed aging during storage results in loss of quality. Reduced seed moisture level and storage temperature are considered the most important factors in reducing seed aging. However, despite the widely applied use of modified atmosphere packaging by the food industry, the deteriorating effect of oxygen in seed aging is hardly recognised.

More than sixty years ago it was shown that storage under nitrogen gas can prolong shelf life of rice seed. However, experiments performed after that were not always confirming this effect. More recent research at Wageningen University & Research, confirmed and quantified the beneficial effect of low oxygen seed storage, with ten times longer shelf life under anoxia storage. However, only when the seeds were stored dry, below around 65% RH. This latter can explain why previous research, often with the use of agricultural seeds, was not always positive. Low oxygen storage can aid seed companies in reducing costs by extending shelf life of their inventory and farmers can benefit with higher seed vigour.

Speaker: Steven Groot, International Seed Academy

2. Bulk-sized scale modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) solutions

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been a staple in the food industry for over 90 years, altering the internal atmosphere of packaging by reducing oxygen and adding carbon dioxide (CO₂) or nitrogen gas (N₂). This method effectively preserves products through a combination of low oxygen and a high-barrier liner against oxygen and moisture transmission.

Seeds, during transport and storage, are at risk from moisture, oxidation, and insect infestation, especially when packaged in kraft paper, cardboard, or cloth bags. Desiccants and conditioned warehouses often fall short in protection. By using MAP with a high-barrier liner, seeds are thoroughly shielded from these threats.

Benefits of MAP

Oxidation prevention: Maintains high germination rates.
Moisture barrier: Prevents moisture increase, avoiding deterioration and fungal growth.
Insect elimination: Destroys insects at all life stages without chemicals.

Applying MAP right after harvest, processing, and drying maintains seed quality during storage and transport. When used for nuts, for example, packing under MAP with low oxygen (1-2%) minimises oxidation, thereby preserving their flavour and colour. VacQPack offer inside liners and outside liners, both available in different sizes, for big bags and bins.

At the core of the VacQPack solution is the VQPro, an easy-to operate, movable system that enables MAP at any location. Equipped with specially designed software, the VQPro allows you to manually or automatically configure the optimal modified atmosphere condition for your specific seeds.

It replaces oxygen with carbon dioxide (CO₂) or nitrogen (N₂) in less than five minutes!

Speaker: Michiel Verwerft, CTO VacQPack

3. Seed packaging under low oxygen with recyclable or biodegradable material

SN Maschinenbau GmbH is a manufacturer of horizontal pouch packaging machines. From over half a century of experience, SN creates premium technology for an economical pouch packaging. At its site in Wipperfürth, Germany SN currently employs around 300 people.

SN Maschinenbau offers innovative technology for almost all products, pouch shapes and output rates. From low output rates in the start segment to several hundred pouches per minute in the top segment, SN offers many different machine models from roll producing pouches (FFS) to processing pre-made pouches (FS) to pouch production without filling (PM).

Product protection is an important factor in the packaging of seeds. In addition to the sensitive handling of individual seeds and grains, product protection can also include the control and minimisation of residual oxygen in the pouch packaging. A low residual oxygen value in the filled pouch can significantly increase the possible storage time of the seed. An appropriate treatment process can also maintain or even increase the germination capacity. Both contribute to a significant protection and increase in the shelf life of the seed.

Compostable and recyclable packaging components can be used on SN machines. Biodegradable film is just as efficient and resilient in use as conventional film. Mono-materials can be processed on a polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) basis. Packaging safety and the highest product quality are ensured.