Fresherlonger

FresherLonger^TM is a food storage product sold by The Sharper Image since March 2006 that uses silver nanoparticles to reduce bacterial, viral and fungal growth. They are stated as allowing food stored in them to stay "fresher longer" up to 3-4 times over other containers. They, along with multiple other Sharper Image products containing silver nanotechnology (all products with SKU beginning ZN), were temporarily removed from the store's product line in late 2006 to update the packaging in order to comply with new EPA regulations dealing with any product containing silver nanoparticles. The EPA, in November 2006 imposed regulation on any consumer product claiming antimicrobial use through nanoparticles, requiring the manufacturer to provide scientific evidence that the particles would not be released into the environment. This was to ensure the protection of the organisms in environments outside of the use of the product, and classified the technology as a type of pesticide.Late in 2007, The Sharper Image resumed its marketing the use of silver nanoparticles contained within the fabric of their self-branded quilted throws, SKU #ZN049 (notably they became machine washable and billed for double the previous price - formerly $49.95, set to $99.95). Due to the controversial technology's inclusion in virtually all fabric produced and sold by The Sharper Image, there has been considerable effort made to clarify what benefits the particles are meant to provide in particular. EPA approval of the throw was also obtained beforehand (stated as EPA registration #71227-5) and a prominent display of such terms and approval became an inconspicuous part of the new packaging, as well as any new marketing. The most significant disclaimer included in the new marketing informs the consumer that the silver particles are not intended to protect the user, but the throw itself from the presence of microorganisms. Currently, all Fresherlonger documentation remains without mention of the silver nanoparticles incorporated into the containers material.

After a hasty re-marketing of the merchandise's stated abilities (or sometimes simply a removal of all documentation accompanying the product) - including all ZN coded products - FresherLonger was placed back on the corporation's product line. The packaging and advertising had been altered to avoid the issue of silver nanoparticles altogether, making use of the new EPA regulation's ambiguous enforceability (no claim of killing microorganisms, no scientific evidence required).
The polypropylene containers use locking clasps on each side of the lid, and "a patent-pending, airtight silicone-gasket locking system that helps prevent spoilage" (it does not mention any effect on ethylene gas, the major cause of produce spoilage). Due to the silver nanoparticles they contain, the containers have a characteristic yellow tint. They are marked to be suitable for use in microwave (without the lid), dishwasher, and freezer applications.

See Also

Sharper Image

References

#cite press release
title = Sharper Image Introduces FresherLonger^TM Miracle Food Storage Containers
publisher = BUSINESS WIRE
date = 2006-03-08
url = http://www.nsti.org/press/PRshow.html?id=867
accessdate = 2006-12-19

#cite web |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/22/AR2006112201979.html |title=EPA To Regulate Nanoproducts Sold As Germ-Killing |accessdate=2006-12-19 |last=Weiss |first=Rick |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2006-11-23 |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=Washington Post |pages=2 |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote=

#cite web |url=http://nanopublic.blogspot.com/2007/03/fresherlonger-epa-and-nano-one-more.html
title=Fresherlonger, EPA, and nano one more time: It's all about labeling ... or not, rather
accessdate=2008-01-18
last=Scheufele |first=Dietram |authorlink=http://www.dietramscheufele.com/
date=2007-03-25
publisher=nanopublic

External links

[http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productdetails/sku__ZN020 Product Page at sharperimage.com]
[http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/product/sku__ZN049RED Quilted Throw Product Page, marketing the silver nanoparticles as an antimicrobial agent]
[http://www.chowhound.com/topics/324342 A comparison test of food storage containers including Fresherlonger at Chowhound.com]