ZeroFly® Storage Bag
The Concept Innovative Technology
ZeroFly® Storage Bag is an insecticide-incorporated woven polypropylene bag developed for post-harvest storage of commodities including cereal grains, pulses, oilseeds and seeds.
The active ingredient, Deltamethrin, is a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) approved pesticide for controlling insect pests. The active ingredient is incorporated into the individual yarns and slowly released onto the surface of the material in a controlled and sustained manner. The commodities stored in the bags are therefore continuously protected against insect infestation for the lifetime of the product.
How It Works
ZeroFly® Storage Bag Advantages
- Grain Quality Protection
Stored commodities are protected by reducing the insect damage. Commodity’s quality and marketability are maintained.
- Seed Viability Protection
Seed viability of stored seeds is protected.
- Proven Effectiveness
Tests in several internationally renowned institutes concluded that the bags are “effective,” insects are killed, their entry into the bags is prevented and ‘community effect’ is provided, by reducing insects population in the storage area.
- Long Lasting Protection
Effectiveness of a minimum two years is ensured through sustained release and controlled migration of the active ingredient to the surface of the yarns.
- Superior Quality
Internationally recognized quality standards for storage bags are followed, quality assurance tests are conducted to ensure standards are met.
- Safe
A “Food safe” classification received under US & EU regulations. Insecticide residues in the stored commodities are below the most stringent global standards. Tests showed no migration of polyolefins from the bags onto the food commodities. Total heavy metal content was below detectable limits & met USDA requirements.
- Easy to Use
Regular re-application of insecticides are not required. Limited protective equipment is required, compared to other pesticide interventions. Toxicity studies concluded the bags are safe to handle.
Usage Guidelines
Step 1
Dry harvested or milled grains to moisture levels safe for storage (<14% for grains & <12% for seeds).
Step 2
Ensure the grain is insect-free (solarization, fumigation, etc.) & the grains are mold-free prior to bagging.
Step 3
Pour the grain into ZeroFly® Storage Bags as soon as possible to ensure no insect infestation.
Step 4
Seal the bags by sewing or tying immediately after bagging. Ensure that the bags are tightly closed after each opening to prevent insect entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does ZeroFly® Storage Bag work? add removeZeroFly® Storage Bag works by establishing a long-lasting insecticidal protection around the bagged commodities. When the pests come into contact with the bag in an attempt to reach the stored commodities, they get a lethal dose of insecticide and are killed.
ZeroFly® Storage Bags are similar in usage to any other polypropylene storage bags, with the additional benefit of insecticidal killing action. - What insecticide is used and how safe is it? add removeThe insecticide active ingredient is deltamethrin, a pyrethroid. Deltamethrin is approved by FAO for use in agriculture and by WHO for use in public health. This product is considered safe for farmers and consumers. Maximum Residue Limits assessments reveal that levels of insecticide on the stored commodities are below the most stringent standards globally.
- What pests does it control? add removeZeroFly® Storage Bags will control deltamethrin susceptible insects when they contact the bags. Tests have confirmed control of all major post-harvest insect pests, including; weevils, borers, and moths.
- What is the lifespan of ZeroFly® Storage Bag ? add removeZeroFly® Storage Bag will remain effective for 2 years depending upon environmental conditions where the bag is used.
- What is ZeroFly® Storage Bag made of and why was this material chosen? add removeZeroFly® Storage Bag is made of a polypropylene polymer that has the insecticide incorporated into the yarns. The material was chosen for its properties of controlled and sustained release of the insecticide for the life of the product and since the textile is durable enough for its intended use.
- What colors does it come in? add removeAs standard, white, with ZeroFly® printed logo. It can also come in a variety of colors and printed central logos upon request.
- What research has been done to show that it is effective? add removeZeroFly® Storage Bag has been studied in laboratory studies to show efficacy against insects. It has also been evaluated in accelerated storage conditions as well as real usage in field studies to confirm action against field populations of various key storage pests.
- Are bags safe to stack in warehouses? add removeThe ZeroFly® Storage Bags provide an extra level of safety in the warehouses as they have an antislip weave pattern to reduce slippage.
- How is the storage bag maintained? add removeThe ZeroFly® Storage Bag is intented for indoor storage of commodities. The material should be kept clean by occasionally using a soft broom to avoid build up of dust on the surface. Keeping dirt and dust off the material is important to prevent any interference between the insecticide on the surface and its contact with the storage pest insects, ensuring maximal efficacy
- Can it be safely discarded? add removeAt the end of its intended lifetime or if physical integrity is lost, ZeroFly® Storage Bag can be disposed of as per local guidelines, for example following regulations for disposal of plastic waste, as fuel for brick kilns, or alternatively, recycled into products that have limited human contact such as waste pipes.