Centennial, Colo.-based Verdant Technologies has announced the grand opening of its research laboratory.
The Verdant Innovation Lab will empower the company to further its mission of revolutionizing the agriculture supply chain by developing solutions that extend the life and quality of perishable products, according to a news release.
Central to the laboratory’s capabilities is its gas analytics infrastructure, an integral aspect of Verdant’s innovation drive, the release said. By precisely analyzing gases, including the critical ethylene gas, the company says it aims to optimize its technology, including 1-MCP applications like HarvestHold, and effectively combat food waste within the agricultural supply chain.
“Gaining real-time data and analytics on gases is pivotal for supporting our commitment to addressing food waste and battling ethylene in the agricultural supply chain,” Verdant Technologies CEO Gordon Robertson said in the release. “This lab signifies a monumental stride towards understanding the intricate dynamics of science and ag-tech innovations.”
The research lab features cold-storage rooms capable of simulating diverse environments, enabling Verdant to mimic real-world conditions and determine optimal temperature thresholds for different produce varieties, according to the release. This capacity will allow the company to deliver quicker results, expedite the testing of various crops and explore new application methods for its solutions, including new product innovations, the release said.
“The opening of our new lab marks a defining moment in our ongoing journey towards sustainable ag-tech innovation,” Todd Edgington, Verdant Technologies chief technology and science officer, said in the release. “We now can easily replicate real-world conditions, which not only expedites our crop testing but also paves the way for transformative application methods and pioneering product innovations. It’s quite exciting to see biology and material science work together to feed more people.”
Furthermore, the lab’s array of specialized equipment, including a penetrometer, titrator, refractometer, Minolta colorimeter and a gas chromatograph, will enable Verdant to comprehensively analyze factors affecting produce quality, such as firmness, acidity, sugar content, and color, the release said. Verdant says this analysis aligns with its commitment to offering solutions that revolutionize postharvest practices and elevate produce quality.
“Through this state-of-the-art research lab, Verdant Technologies underscores its commitment to revolutionizing agriculture through innovation, particularly in the realm of 1-MCP applications,” Robertson said. “This facility not only enhances our research capabilities but also solidifies our dedication to sustainable solutions that address global food waste.”
Additionally, Verdant has partnered with local organizations and food banks in and around the lab location in Centennial to donate all produce that is fit for consumption, furthering the organization mission to “Nourish the World.”
