Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Air Products, a global leader in industrial gases and technological solutions, has announced the opening of a Technology Center for freezing, processing, and storing food products, based at the Tashkent Agricultural University.

The new center is designed to promote the implementation of advanced solutions in the food industry and to support the development of infrastructure for food processing and preservation in Uzbekistan.

Equipped with unique machinery, the center is the first in the region to demonstrate cutting-edge technologies for shock (cryogenic) freezing and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). This enables real-time demonstrations to clients of the benefits offered by highly efficient solutions previously unavailable in the Uzbek market.

Visitors to the center will not only be able to observe demonstrations of advanced technological processes but also receive training, consult with Air Products experts, and explore how to practically apply the equipment within their own businesses.

“We proudly present this innovative center in Uzbekistan and are pleased to collaborate with Tashkent Agricultural University to modernize the country’s food sector,” said Kirill Korotkov, Commercial Director of Air Products in Uzbekistan. “The center vividly showcases the advantages of cryogenic freezing and MAP technologies, allowing local producers to improve product quality, extend shelf life, and reduce food waste.”

An integral part of the center’s infrastructure is the recently opened liquid carbon dioxide (LCO₂) plant in the city of Navoi. The facility produces up to 120 tons of food-grade CO₂ daily with a guaranteed purity level of 99.99%, ensuring uninterrupted supply of high-quality gas both for the center’s needs and for customers across the country.

Food-grade carbon dioxide (CO₂) plays a key role in several areas:

Cryogenic freezing provides instant cooling of products while preserving their structure, taste, and nutritional value;

MAP packaging extends the shelf life of vegetables, meat, and other perishable goods;

Dry ice production, which is used in logistics and storage to maintain a stable temperature regime;

Greenhouse complexes, where CO₂ enrichment of the air promotes increased crop yields and improved product quality.

The introduction of shock freezing technology into the agro-industrial complex is of strategic importance. In 2024, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan set a goal to reduce harvest losses through infrastructure development and the use of modern deep freezing solutions. This objective fully aligns with the technological capabilities and long-term plans of Air Products in the region.

The company’s comprehensive approach will enable:

Minimization of harvest losses;

Expansion of export potential by improving product quality and preservation;

Year-round availability of fresh products for the population;

Preservation of the nutritional value of food;

Reduction of food waste;

Improvement of the diet and living standards of the country’s population.

“Building on local CO₂ production and the potential of the new technology center, Air Products intends to contribute to the sustainable growth of Uzbekistan’s agro-industrial sector,” emphasized Kirill Korotkov. “We invite business representatives to explore the possibilities of cryogenic technologies and discuss how our solutions can help them achieve their goals.”