Frequently asked questions
Dive into our FAQ to learn more about how EcoLoc can transform your kitchen and prolong the shelflife of your food. From setup and operation to maintenance and benefits, find all the answers you need to make the most of your EcoLoc experience. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out—we're here to help you elevate your food preservation game!
Product and Setup
What's included in the starter kit?
Our starter kit includes the EcoLoc device, three specially designed lids with quartz glass for optimal UV penetration, three food containers, and a USB charging cable.
How does EcoLoc work?
EcoLoc employs patented PureFize broad-spectrum UV technology to significantly reduce food-spoiling microbes and harmful pathogens on food surfaces. This action not only extends the freshness and shelf life of your food but also enhances safety by reducing the presence of disease-causing organisms. With a simple click, EcoLoc ensures your food is both fresh and safe, offering a reliable layer of protection for healthier eating.
How do I charge my EcoLoc?
Charge your EcoLoc using the included USB cable—just connect it to any USB power source.
How often do I need to charge EcoLoc?
Frequency of charging depends on usage, but typically, EcoLoc may require recharging after 20 cycles.
Can you see the UV light?
No, UV light is not visible to the human eye; it operates at a wavelength beyond the visible spectrum. We show it on our website just to demonstrate how the product works.
Usage and Safety
Why is it good to reduce microorganisms on food?
Reducing microorganisms on food significantly extends its shelf life and minimizes waste, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal to halve global food waste by 2030. By lowering the presence of pathogens, EcoLoc also enhances food safety, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses that affect hundreds of millions globally each year. This dual benefit not only makes food safer to consume but also supports global efforts to improve food security and sustainability.
What type of UV technology does EcoLoc use?
EcoLoc utilizes PureFize broad-spectrum UV technology, as Swedish innovation encompassing UV-A, UV-B and UV-C, within one and the same lightsource. This technology has a well documented very germicidal effect ranging from bacteria such as e-coli to virus such as Sars-COV2.
Is it safe to use EcoLoc?
Absolutely! EcoLoc is designed for safety, with features that prevent UV exposure outside the device/food container and is CE-marked for consumer safety.
Do all microorganisms disappear when using EcoLoc?
While EcoLoc reduces microbial presence, it does not sterilize food, allowing for a healthy level of microorganisms to remain. Simplified - EcoLoc works in line of sight, which means that all food exposed to the light will have microbes significantly reduced. However, the level is determined by the duration and what kind, texture and shape that the food has.
Does the food at the bottom of the container also get cleaned?
EcoLoc is effective on surfaces directly exposed to the UV light; contents not directly exposed will not be affected, allowing for a healthy level of microorganisms to remain. The objective is to remove enough to improve the food and to reduce the risk of exposure to possible high doses of “bad” microorganisms.
How often can I use EcoLoc?
You can use EcoLoc as often as needed to keep your food fresh and safe. There is no limit to its daily usage. However, the idea is to give you food a better start in your refrigerator. We recommend using it before putting it into the refrigerator. EcoLoc cannot reverse the effect, but stop or delay food being spoiled.
Compatibility and Purchase Options
How much food can I put in my food container?
We recommend to to fill the container in a way that allows UV light to reach as much of the surface content as possible. Ideally, this means having a distance of about three centimeters from the light sources to the food surface.
Can I buy additional lids?
Yes, additional lids compatible with EcoLoc are available for purchase separately. You can find them here!
Can I buy more food containers?
Yes, you can purchase additional food containers in various sizes as EcoLoc and the EcoLoc lids are fully compatible with the IKEA 365+ series of rectangular food containers. These containers are available in glass, plastic, and stainless steel options to suit your preference and can be bought at your nearest IKEA store or on their website at www.ikea.com.
Here are some specific product numbers for the IKEA 365+ series containers that are compatible with EcoLoc:
For Europe & USA:
IKEA 365+ glass food container 1.0 liter: 703.591.99
IKEA 365+ glass food container 1.8 liter: 703.592.03
IKEA 365+ plastic food container 1.0 liter: 403.591.48
IKEA 365+ plastic food container 2.0 liter: 603.591.52
IKEA 365+ plastic food container 4.2 liter: 603.930.66
IKEA 365+ stainless steel food container 1.0 liter: 094.375.06
For Asia:
IKEA 365+ glass food container 1.0 liter: 103.592.01
IKEA 365+ glass food container 1.8 liter: 203.592.05
IKEA 365+ plastic food container 1.0 liter: 203.591.49
IKEA 365+ plastic food container 2.0 liter: 403.591.53
IKEA 365+ plastic food container 4.2 liter: 603.930.71
IKEA 365+ stainless steel food container 1.0 liter: 904.978.02
This compatibility ensures you can easily expand your EcoLoc setup with containers that meet your specific storage needs.
Which food containers are compatible with EcoLoc and its lids?
The IKEA 365+ food container series is compatible with the EcoLoc and EcoLoc lids. IKEA 365+ series offers containers in various materials such as glass, stainless steel, and plastic. These are designed to accommodate every individual's needs and are available at your nearest IKEA location or via their online store at www.ikea.com.
Please see below for specific product numbers for the IKEA 365+ series that are compatible with EcoLoc and EcoLoc lids.
For Europe & USA:
IKEA 365+ glass food container 1.0 liter: 703.591.99
IKEA 365+ glass food container 1.8 liter: 703.592.03
IKEA 365+ plastic food container 1.0 liter: 403.591.48
IKEA 365+ plastic food container 2.0 liter: 603.591.52
IKEA 365+ plastic food container 4.2 liter: 603.930.66
IKEA 365+ stainless steel food container 1.0 liter: 094.375.06
For Asia:
IKEA 365+ glass food container 1.0 liter: 103.592.01
IKEA 365+ glass food container 1.8 liter: 203.592.05
IKEA 365+ plastic food container 1.0 liter: 203.591.49
IKEA 365+ plastic food container 2.0 liter: 403.591.53
IKEA 365+ plastic food container 4.2 liter: 603.930.71
IKEA 365+ stainless steel food container 1.0 liter: 904.978.02
Is EcoLoc better than vacuum sealing?
While vacuum sealing temporarily halts or slows down (depending on how vacuum pressure obtained) growth of microbes by eliminating oxygen. EcoLoc works very differently and actively kills microbes using PureFize patented broad spectrum UV light. This means that the microbial load on the food is not temporarily slowed down but significantly reduced. In the event of contamination of pathogenic microbes, the exposure is reduced giving our immune system a better chance to deal with the intruders and build a strong and resilient immune system. So EcoLoc both improves food quality and ensures that the food is safer to eat. From a preservation perspective external studies show that UV is preserving food better than vacuum. See study here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10108318/
Technical and Aftercare
What happens if I interrupt a session?
Interrupting a session may reduce its effectiveness. It’s best to let it complete the cycle once started. However, for your safety, the UV light automatically shuts off as soon as you remove the device from the lid.
How should I store my food after using EcoLoc?
After using EcoLoc, store your food as you normally would, ideally in a refrigerator.
Does EcoLoc kill good bacteria?
EcoLoc is designed to reduce all types of microorganisms—viruses, bacteria, mold, fungi, and spores, including both pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. The goal is not to remove all (sterilize) the food, as some bacteria exposure is beneficial and helps strengthen the immune system. Reducing the amount of pathogens that can cause illness is crucial for making the food safer. EcoLoc strives to strike a balance by lowering the levels of harmful microorganisms that can spoil food quickly while maintaining beneficial bacteria that are good for health. We believe EcoLoc achieves an optimal level of microbial reduction, enhancing both the safety and quality of your food.
What payment options do you offer?
We accept various payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, Klarna and other safe online payment solutions.
Do you ship EcoLoc to my country?
At the moment, we offer free shipping to these countries:
- Countries within EU
- Norway
- United Kingdom
- Singapore
What happens to the nutrients in food when using EcoLoc?
Studies done by partners to us and PureFize Technologies (the company behind the patented broad spectrum UV technology) show that nutritional values remained intact for longer compared to those not treated with PureFize broad spectrum UV light. Germs utilize the water and nutrients present in food as a source of growth and proliferation. Many germs, such as bacteria and fungi, require water, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to grow and reproduce. When these microorganisms come into contact with food that provides suitable conditions for their growth (such as moisture, nutrients, and an appropriate temperature), they can multiply rapidly, leading to food spoilage or contamination. As an example: E-coli doubles in numbers every 17th minute at 37 ℃.
Generally speaking, some nutrients may be affected by UV light. However, research shows that this effect correlates to the dose of UV light (mJ/cm2) and spectrum range of UV. EcoLoc operates in a dose interval optimized for good germicidal efficiency. No such effects have been found in studies by EcoLoc or partners. EcoLoc does not generate the UV dose found in studies that have shown negative effects on nutrients.
It can be said that: Any successful technology for food disinfection and preservation, don’t totally solve the problem of food quality. All technologies have advantages and disadvantages. For example, if you cook food, you will kill almost all microorganisms, but on the other side you will lose vitamins, denature proteins and natural flavors. With Ecoloc, we can offer a non-contact and safe way to reduce germs on the surface that can be considered a significant load reduction.
What is EcoLoc made of?
EcoLoc is constructed from durable, high-quality materials, ensuring long-term use and safety. The plastic components are 100% recyclable, supporting environmental sustainability. To minimize waste and enhance recyclability, EcoLoc uses a battery solution with rechargeable batteries. These can be easily separated and recycled at local recycling stations at the end of their life cycle, making EcoLoc a good choice for food preservation.
How long can I store food after using EcoLoc?
Food preservation times can vary, but EcoLoc generally extends freshness significantly compared to untreated food, especially in combination with refrigeration.
How long can I store leftovers after using EcoLoc?
When it comes to how much longer the food can be stored, it must be considered that every case is of course entirely unique.
- Non-cooked food
The microbial spoilage caused by the growth of bacteria, yeast and molds which are frequently caught from the environment and/or due to cross-contamination during processing, packaging, and handling. That is, the microbial activity commonly initiates on the surface of any healthy fresh produce or any properly cooked food. Moreover, the spoilage rate can be accelerated or delayed depending on the initial load of germs on the food surface and its storage conditions. EcoLoc can extend shelf life of foods, ensure safety, and reduce food waste as it has been confirmed in previous studies done by the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE) among other partners.
- Cooked food
It depends on how it has been cooked, cooled and handled. Therefore, we firmly support the general recommendations for cooked leftovers. Nonetheless, the proper and responsible manipulation of fresh and cooked foods by processors and consumers together with the application of the EcoLoc represent a real solution to significantly improve food freshness, extend shelf life, ensure safety, and reduce food waste.
Does the lid have two holes in it?
It may appear that the lid has two holes, but those are actually sections made of quartz glass. We use quartz glass because it allows UV light to pass through with minimal interference, which is essential for the effectiveness of the EcoLoc device. This material helps ensure that the UV light can optimally reduce microorganisms on the food inside the container.