The startup provides a green fumigation system that utilizes inert nitrogen gas to activate ethyl formate, significantly reducing fumigation times while minimizing toxicity and residue. This technology eliminates harmful fumigation chemicals from the food supply chain, addressing biosecurity risks to animals and plant materials in the food and agriculture industry.
Funding
$4.5M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Traditional fumigation methods rely on highly toxic chemicals like methyl bromide and phosphine, which pose significant risks to human health, contribute to global warming, and are increasingly subject to international restrictions. These methods can also be time-consuming and costly, requiring large exclusion zones and extensive venting periods.
Solution
Universal Biosecurity offers Fume8, a patented fumigation technology that utilizes ethyl formate activated by inert nitrogen gas as a sustainable and effective alternative. This process significantly reduces fumigation times and minimizes toxicity and chemical residue, making it safer for operators and end-users. Fume8's continuous flow delivery system ensures rapid eradication of a broad range of pests while breaking down naturally into harmless byproducts. The technology's reduced exclusion zones and faster venting times improve logistical efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes businesses, governments, industry, and primary producers seeking sustainable, cost-effective, and safe alternatives to traditional fumigation methods in the food and agriculture industry.
Features
- Patented technology for continuous flow delivery of ethyl formate fumigant
- Utilizes inert nitrogen gas to activate ethyl formate, reducing flammability risks
- Fast fumigation periods (3-12 hours) compared to days for phosphine
- Ethyl formate breaks down into naturally occurring products: formic acid and ethanol
- Zero Global Warming Potential (GWP) score
- Reduced exclusion zone requirements compared to methyl bromide
- Suitable for broad application across a range of end products, including in-transit fumigation