Vidre+ technology prolongs the freshness of cut carnations

Vidre+ technology offers an effective and environmentally friendly solution to slow down the ripening process on carnations. After 10 days of tests, 73 percent of carnations treated with Vidre+ maintained excellent quality compared to only 20 percent of the untreated ones. Fresh Inset’s technology can extend the vase life of carnations and help reduce waste across the floral industry.

The market for carnations was worth $564 million in 2022. According to “The Biology of Carnation” by the Australian Department of Health: “carnations have been the third most traded flower (both import and export) during the five years from 2014 to 2018, behind rose and chrysanthemum.”

“Carnations are one of the most popular flowers, and they are susceptible to ethylene, often resulting in premature flower drop and affecting quality,” said Peter Vriends, Fresh Inset chief operating officer. ”Our technology aims to neutralize the negative effects of ethylene gas, prolonging the vase life of cut carnations, reducing waste and addressing environmental challenges. Carnations are currently often treated with Silver to mitigate the effects of ethylene, an environmentally harmful solution.”

Testing carnations

The Dutch Flower lab researched how Vidre+ technology can affect cut carnations. In a detailed study, five varieties of Carnations — red, white, yellow, pink and dark red. Vidre+ stickers were applied inside the flower sleeve, just below the flowers. Then flowers were shipped by sea freight from Kenya to the Netherlands. The test included 10 dayslong vase-life simulation in carefully controlled conditions, under time-lapse cameras.

Results

The test results after 10 days revealed a significant reduction in ethylene sensitivity in flowers treated with Vidre+ compared to untreated ones.

• Control Group: 20 percent of flowers demonstrated excellent, with 27 percent poor and 27 percent in very poor condition
• 10 cm² Vidre+: 73 percent of flowers demonstrated excellent, 7 percent average and only 20 percent in poor quality.

Vidre+ helps maintain carnations in excellent condition for longer. Tests proved it extended petal longevity, improved color retention and reduced wilting. By extending the vase life of cut flowers throughout the supply chain, Vidre+ also reduces the amount of unsold or discarded flowers, minimizing flower waste.

Carnations treated with Vidre+ exhibit:

• Prolonged Freshness
• Improved Aesthetic
• Reduced Waste

Summary

Carnations, after roses and orchids, are the third species of flowers that can be successfully protected by Vidre+. Research confirms that Fresh Inset’s technology may have a significant impact on the floral industry, making it possible to transport flowers for a longer distance and better answer consumer needs by providing protected and long-lasting flowers.