1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)

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1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)

Freppe™ by Bee Chems is an advanced 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) formulation designed to inhibit the action of ethylene – the plant hormone responsible for ripening and senescence. Acting directly at the receptor level, Freppe™ blocks ethylene’s signal pathways, delaying ripening and maintaining freshness across a wide range of produce.

1‐Methylcyclopropene (1‑MCP) is the modern, high-efficacy ethylene inhibitor that helps preserve the freshness of produce, flowers and perishables. By controlling both endogenous and exogenous ethylene effects, Bee Chems’ 1-MCP ensures delayed maturation, better firmness, vibrant colour, crispness, aroma and nutrient retention — all while being non-toxic, safe and aligned with modern post-harvest logistics.

At Bee Chems we are committed to helping our customers reduce losses during storage and transit, improve quality, and maintain market-value of harvested crops and products.

How 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) Ethylene Works

When plant tissues enter maturity, the hormone ethylene is produced and binds to receptor proteins within cells, triggering senescence and quality decline. 1-MCP, having a molecular structure similar to ethylene, occupies the receptor sites and prevents endogenous ethylene from binding. This blocks the physiological and biochemical reactions that cause maturation, thereby delaying aging and retaining firmness, quality, and shelf life.

By pre-treating produce or florals with Bee Chems 1-MCP prior to peak ethylene release, you reduce the negative impact of ethylene and prolong freshness.

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1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)

How to Use 1-Methylcyclopropene(1-MCP)?
  1. Measure the ambient treatment chamber or container volume.
  2. Calculate required dose based on temperature, humidity and volume.
  3. Place the produce (fruits/vegetables/flowers) into the treatment container or sealed unit.
  4. Introduce Bee Chems 1-MCP (solid powder) into a small cup or tray in the centre of the chamber, then add 20–40 × its weight in water to initiate vapour release.
  5. Close the chamber promptly.
  6. Treatment time:
    • If ambient temperature > 20 °C: treat for 6–12 hours.
    • If temperature < 20 °C: treat for up to 24 hours.
  7. After treatment period, open chamber and proceed with storage or transit as required.

Why Choose Bee Chems 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)?

Bee Chems is a recognized global manufacturer of specialty chemicals and postharvest solutions. Our R&D capabilities, process control, and technical support ensure that each batch of Freppe™ meets international standards for purity and performance.

Key Strengths
  • Non-toxic, safe and designed for modern fresh-keeping needs.
  • Developed for long-haul transport, reducing spoilage, shrink and quality downgrades.
  • Expert support, customised dosing guidance and supply chain solutions.
  • Dedicated technical team for trial setup and optimization
  • Aligned with global standards for post-harvest handling.

Bee Chems supplies both Ethylene Absorbers and 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), making us a complete ethylene management partner for postharvest industries.

Key Benefits of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)
Benefit Description
Shelf Life Extension Delays ripening and senescence by blocking ethylene activity
Quality Retention Maintains firmness, flavor, and color for longer periods
Reduced Postharvest Loss Minimizes spoilage during transport and storage
Logistical Flexibility Provides exporters and retailers with wider distribution windows
Safe & Non-Residue Technology Breaks down naturally without chemical residues
Complementary to Ethylene Absorbers Works synergistically with Bee Chems Freppe™ Ethylene Absorbers for optimal fresh-keeping

Applications
For Vegetables
  • Prevent yellowing and wilting of leafy greens.
  • Lower respiration rate and slow nutrient loss.
  • Allow easier transport/storage with relaxed cold-chain requirements.
For Fruits
  • Major issues include softening, browning, and discoloration.
  • With 1-MCP treatment, firmness loss is significantly delayed (e.g., persimmons extended from day 5 to day 15–20).
  • Ideal for long-distance shipping and retail presentation.
For Cutting Flowers
  • Many cut flowers are highly sensitive to ethylene.
  • 1-MCP inhibits ethylene-induced wilting, leaf yellowing, and petal drop.
  • Post-treatment, carnations’ vase life can more than double.
  • Enables extended shelf life, reduced losses during transport, and improved freshness at point of sale.

Overall Bee Chems 1-MCP supports improved quality, reduced spoilage, and extended storage and transport windows — especially for high-value crops or long logistics chains.

Specifications
  • Chemical Name: 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)
  • Form: Controlled-release powder / capsule / gas generator
  • Purity: ≥ 98%
  • Solubility: Slight in water (reactive gas form in use)
  • Shelf Life: 12 months from manufacture (date-coded batch)
  • Storage: Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

Packaging:
  • Sachets
  • Capsules
  • Custom bulk units

Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) used for?
A: 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is widely used to delay the ripening and aging of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It works by blocking ethylene receptors in plant tissues, preventing premature ripening, wilting, and spoilage during storage and transport.
Q2. How does 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables?
A: 1-MCP binds to ethylene receptors in produce, stopping the natural hormone ethylene from triggering ripening and decay. This receptor-blocking mechanism helps maintain firmness, color, and flavor, effectively extending the shelf life during cold storage and shipping.
Q3. Is 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) safe for use on food?
A: Yes. 1-Methylcyclopropene is considered safe and non-toxic when used as directed. It breaks down naturally into trace compounds without leaving any harmful residues on fruits or vegetables, making it an environmentally friendly and consumer-safe technology.
Q4. What are the advantages of using 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) over ethylene absorbers?
A: While ethylene absorbers remove ethylene gas from the surrounding environment, 1-MCP acts directly within the plant tissue to block ethylene perception. This offers longer-lasting protection and better control over ripening, especially during long-distance transportation.
Q5. Which crops benefit the most from 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment?
A: 1-MCP is effective across a wide variety of crops, including apples, bananas, mangoes, avocados, kiwifruit, tomatoes, and cut flowers. It’s particularly beneficial for exporters, packhouses, and floriculture businesses looking to preserve freshness and reduce postharvest losses.

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