World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Jelly ice cubes are compostable and hygienic

USA: Scientists have developed a cooling cube that could revolutionise how food is kept cold and shipped fresh without relying on ice or traditional cooling packs.

The plastic-free, “jelly ice cubes” that do not melt have been developed by researchers at the University of California, Davis. They are compostable and anti-microbial, and prevent cross-contamination. They are also reusable and can be designed or cut to any shape and size required.

“When ice melts, it’s not reusable,” said Gang Sun, a professor in the university’s department of biological and agricultural engineering. “We thought we could make a so-called solid ice to serve as a cooling medium and be reusable.”

The cooling cubes contain more than 90% water and other components to retain and stabilise the structure. They are said to be soft to the touch like gelatin and change colour depending on temperature.

Jiahan Zou, a UC Davis PhD graduate student, holds one of the jelly ice cubes. Photo: Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis

“You can use it for 13 hours for cooling, collect it, rinse it with water and put it in the freezer to freeze again for the next use,” said Jiahan Zou, a student who has been working on the project for the past two years.

The researchers hope to eventually use recycled agriculture waste or byproduct as the coolant material.

Early tests have shown the cubes can withstand up to 22 pounds without losing form. They can be reused a dozen times — just a quick wash with water or diluted bleach — and then disposed of in the trash or with yard waste.

Latest News

21st November 2024

Ideal receives £5.2m government funding boost

UK: Heat pump manufacturer Ideal Heating and its hot water cylinder manufacturing sister company Gledhill have received almost £5.2m from the UK government.
21st November 2024

Poland seizes 115 tonnes of F-gas

POLAND: At least 115 tonnes of F-gas are said to have been seized in Poland as part of a European crackdown on the illegal F-gas trade.
21st November 2024

EU crackdown disrupts illegal HFC trade

BELGIUM: A six-month operation to disrupt the illegal trade in refrigerant gases has intercepted more than 400,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent material. 
21st November 2024

UK government boost for heat pumps

UK: The UK government has announced a boost for heat pumps with an extra £30m for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the relaxing of planning application rules.
20th November 2024

EIA survey finds leaks at 50% of stores

USA: An undercover investigation claims to have detected HFC refrigerant leaks at 50% of supermarkets visited in Northern California.
20th November 2024

Police bust scrap AC network

SPAIN: The Civil Guard says it has uncovered a network dedicated to illegal handling of refrigerant and waste electrical and electronic equipment.