Gastight Coating Failures: The Hidden Cause of Food Waste.

Gastight coatings might not be something you think about every day, but when they fail, the
consequences can be severe. These coatings play a crucial role in various industries, ensuring
airtight seals, preventing gas leaks, and maintaining stable environments. When they don't
perform as expected, the impact on food storage—particularly in regions like Uttar Pradesh
and Andhra Pradesh in India—can be devastating, leading to significant food waste and
infrastructure damage.

Mango Spoilage: A Growing Issue.

Mangoes, a prized crop stored in states like Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, are highly
susceptible to spoilage due to inadequate gastight coatings. Without proper gas control,
mangoes can over-ripen and decay rapidly. When coatings are defective, the storage life of
mangoes can decrease by up to 50%, leading to substantial spoilage and economic losses.
This not only affects the quality of mangoes reaching consumers but also results in financial
strain for farmers and storage facility operators.

Mango Loss Cost in Cold Storage.

• Uttar Pradesh

  -Total Production: 4,807,830 tonnes
  -Stored in Cold Storage: 1,442,349 tonnes (30% of total production)
  -Loss in Cold Storage: 72,117 tonnes (5% of stored production)
  -Cost of Loss: ₹721,170,000

• Andhra Pradesh

  -Total Production: 4,676,060 tonnes
  -Stored in Cold Storage: 1,402,818 tonnes (30% of total production)
  -Loss in Cold Storage: 70,141 tonnes (5% of stored production)

The Technical Failures.

Gastight coatings rely on advanced mterials like elastomers, polymers, and specialized
resins to form a seamless, durable membrane. The application process includes thorough
cleaning, multiple layers of coating, and rigorous testing. However, if any step is
compromised—such as insufficient surface preparation or improper curing—the coating's
effectiveness is drastically reduced. Studies show that a compromised coating can have
permeability rates exceeding 0.05 grams per square meter per day (g/m²/day), leading to
significant gas leaks and spoilage.

Inspection and Testing Shortcomings.

Ensuring the effectiveness of gastight coatings involves visual checks, electronic leak
detection, and gas permeability testing. However, inadequate inspections can miss defects,
allowing leaks as small as 0.005 g/m²/day to go undetected. This can result in significant
spoilage over time, as small leaks accumulate and compromise the storage environment.

Economic and Operational Drawbacks.

The failure of gastight coatings can lead to substantial economic losses. Companies face
costly repairs, product loss, and safety hazards. Additionally, maintaining controlled
environments becomes difficult, reducing energy efficiency and increasing operational costs.
Studies suggest that businesses can face up to a 30% increase in energy costs when
gastight coatings fail, highlighting the importance of reliable applications.

Addressing the Issue.

One company specializing in high-performance gastight coatings is Ribbstyle. Known for
their excellent adhesion, flexibility, and resistance to harsh conditions, Ribbstyle offers
coatings that aim to provide reliable, long-lasting airtight seals. However, even the best
coatings require proper application and regular maintenance to ensure effectiveness.
By understanding the potential failures and their consequences, industries can take
proactive measures to ensure the reliability of gastight coatings, ultimately reducing food
waste and enhancing operational efficiency.

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