How new technology extends vase life of cut roses

The global flower industry, valued at €64.5 billion, has shifted production to countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Ecuador, and Colombia due to favorable climate and lower labor costs. This trend has environmental implications, particularly regarding carbon footprint and water usage, exacerbated by long-distance transportation and storage processes. Ethylene gas adversely affects the aesthetic and commercial value of flowers and contributes to significant waste.

“Vidre+™, a cutting-edge novel technology, targets to block the negative effects of ethylene gas, extending the vase life of cut roses, reducing waste, and addressing environmental concerns. Research results show Vidre+™ potential, as a pivotal solution to sustain the industry's vitality and mitigate ecological impacts.” — states Peter Vriends from Fresh Inset

Testing roses

The Dutch company Flowerwatch conducted thorough research on the impact of Vidre+™ stickers with a new generation of slow-release 1-MCP on the vase life of cut roses. The tests encompassed various stages: application during the harvest stage, vacuum cooling during the shipment phase, and post-arrival treatment including cold room storage. A shelf life simulation reflecting retail conditions and finally a consumer vase life simulation lasting 7 to 10 days. These tests, conducted under controlled conditions, provided valuable insights into the impact of Vidre+ on the endurance and visual appeal of the cut roses throughout their post-harvest life.

Test results 

The most notable results were observed with yellow roses. After 7 days of vase life, already 37,5% of the untreated control group was in poor or very poor condition, whereas 100% of the roses treated with Vidre+™ were still in excellent condition, also performing a lot better than roses treated with STS.

Roses receiving the Vidre+™ treatment display:

• Increased petal longevity
• Better color retention
• Reduced wilting

This outcome is particularly beneficial for growers, bouquet makers, and retailers seeking a solution that helps deliver cut flowers to the market in peak condition, thereby maintaining their aesthetic appeal for a longer duration. 

Consequently, this approach contributes to minimizing financial losses associated with unsold or deteriorated flowers and significantly reduces the environmental impact since Vidre+™ proves to perform better than STS on roses. Vidre+™ stickers are easy to apply and optimize logistic processes.

Research on Vidre™ stickers showed that it significantly extended the vase life of cut roses, with treated roses demonstrating a majority in good to excellent condition after one week. These findings highlight Vidre+™ technology's potential to reduce waste and contribute to the sustainability of the floral industry by mitigating the effects of ethylene sensitivity.

*Source: Research report: 50000837-538-02 conducted by Flower Watch, Date: February 2023

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