ZeroFly Storage Bag

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Vestergaard distribute mainly their own product, they also have partners ensuring the delivery locally

Manufacturing/Building Method

The product is mass produced

Intellectural Property Type

Trade Secret

User Provision Model

Users can order directly from manufacturer

Distributions to Date Status

Unknown

Design Specifications

The product uses Deltamethrin as active ingredient. The active ingredient is incorporated into the yarns and slowly released onto the surface, protecting the bags' content continuously.      

Technical Support

The user should ensure the bag is kept clean by occasionally using a soft broom to avoid dust building on the surface.

Replacement Components

Users can purchase additional bags from the manufacturer to replace damaged bags or bags older than recommended lifecycle.

Lifecycle

The product will remain effective for 2 years depending upon environmental conditions. At the end of a lifetime or physical integrity, it should be disposed of following local guidelines on plastic waste disposal. It could be recycled into products that have limited human contact.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Specified performance targets:

• Affordable: very competitive price and reusable many times over 2 years ­
• Environmentally friendly: no need to fumigate and use chemicals during storage ­
• Safe: reduces pesticide residues commonly found in grain and seed and decreases the risk of aflatoxin and mold build-up ­
• Effective: proven global efficacy against key insect pests, including Weevil and Larger Grain Borer, even in the most infested conditions ­
• Durable: proven to last for 2 years even under the toughest environments ­
• Tailored to individual needs: available in any size from 10 to 1000 kg and in any color with customized prints

Vetted Performance Status

The product has been tested by different independent laboratories. At the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Chatham, Kent the Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) and Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) adults were exposed to ZeroFly® Storage Bag samples for up to 72 hrs. Knockdown occurred at one hour and insects were dead after 24 hours. 100% mortality was observed for larvae at the end of the observation period of 14 days. Field tests were also conducted in several countries, results of a study in Ethiopia can be seen in the image, showing significantly less damage in the kernel with ZeroFly storage bags. Tests by several international institutes concluded that the bags are “effective,” insects are killed, their entry into the bags is prevented, and a ‘community effect’ is provided, by reducing insects population in the storage area.

Safety

It is not toxic for food consumers, operators, or the environment, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as gloves is recommended to ensure the operator's safety. Depending on the concentration of Deltamethrin it can produce cold burning, numbness of the skin, headache, heartburn, and skin spots It has a “Food safe” classification under US & EU regulations.

Complementary Technical Systems

Vestergaard provides a wide range of products designed to improve the lives of individuals in low-income regions.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Research claims that residue levels of Deltamethrin on the stored commodities are "below the most stringent standard globally." The active ingredient, Deltamethrin, is a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) approved pesticide for controlling insect pests.

Other Information

In 2015, ZeroFly storage bags were the recipient of Australia’s GOOD award for innovation. and  The company received the “Best Invention of the Year” by Time magazine.