Controlled atmosphere trials begin

Transcom Sharaf is pioneering

the use of CA or controlled

atmosphere in Beira to treat tobacco

as an environmentally friendly

alternative to conventional chemical

fumigation.

In a joint venture with Control

Union, the company has installed a

mobile Eco2 CA fumigation unit at

its Beira warehouse facility.

There is a growing demand for

the service following successful

trials, according to customer liaison

manager Justin Jahme.

In the completely chemical-free

process cartons are packed into

airtight chambers. Up to seven

containers of product can be treated

at a time.

Nitrogen extracted from the

atmosphere on site is pumped into

the chamber to replace the oxygen.

At the same time the temperature

is raised if necessary in order to

increase the insects’ metabolism

and ensure all the life-stages of

tobacco beetle are destroyed.