Tashkent: Air Products is aligning with Uzbekistan’s ambitious development plans by implementing a range of innovative projects, from advanced CO2 solutions to cutting-edge food preservation technologies, a source at Air Products informed Trend.

According to Trend News Agency, Air Products is actively seeking new opportunities in Uzbekistan’s rapidly expanding market. Recent discussions have focused on the introduction of CO2 capture and utilization technologies and other collaborative initiatives.

“Production of sustainable, food-grade CO2 with a purity of 99.99% is a significant breakthrough for the region, addressing the challenges of industrial modernization and sustainable development. Unlike some conventional methods where CO2 is produced by burning natural gas (methane), our CO2 is sourced through direct capture from ammonia production lines at NavoiAzot. This means we are utilizing an existing industrial byproduct that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. This fundamentally eliminates the need to burn methane for CO2 production, thereby preventing new carbon emissions and significantly reducing the overall carbon footprint for our customers,” the source added.

This method showcases an effective circular economy, transforming industrial emissions into valuable resources for various industries. Furthermore, Air Products’ solutions assist clients in meeting environmental targets and minimizing their ecological impact.

Special focus is placed on advanced food freezing and packaging technologies. The company offers state-of-the-art cryogenic rapid-freezing techniques using liquid CO2 and liquid nitrogen, which maintain the natural cellular structure of numerous food products.

“Rapid freezing minimizes the formation of ice crystals and moisture loss, ensuring superior texture, taste, and nutritional value compared to conventional methods,” the Air Products representative explained.

The application of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) technologies significantly extends product shelf life, enabling longer supply chains and reducing food waste, a key objective in sustainable development. Additionally, MAP helps prevent microbial growth, enhancing food safety and hygiene.

“Our cryogenic and packaging solutions help food producers modernize their operations, increase productivity, and meet the growing demand for high-quality, safe frozen products both in the domestic market and abroad,” the company representative stressed.