Frequently asked questions

The Nox process consists of five steps: inflating the Nox® Big Bag, filling, closing the inner bag by heat sealing, extracting the internal air, and then injecting CO₂.
You will find all the elements to start quickly and efficiently on our user support page. [13]

The Nox® system allows you to store your products in a Modified Atmosphere, protecting them from major risks (insects, mold, humidity, etc.) and extending their shelf life.

Two main gases can generally be used to create a modified atmosphere: nitrogen (N₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Each of these two gases has its own specific preservation characteristics.

Nox is a registered trademark and the Nox® process is protected by an international patent. [35]

The use of CO₂ is essential for the Nox® process to work properly. CO₂ is an abundant gas, which can be supplied in two main forms: in liquid form (in cylinders) or in solid form (dry ice).

The exact amount of CO₂ to add depends on the type of product to be stored and the hermetic enclosure used. To simplify this estimation, we provide an online filling calculator (accessible from the user support page) which guarantees optimal dosing in just a few clicks.

Supply conditions and the regulations applicable to CO₂ may vary from one country to another. We invite you to find out about local specificities before any implementation. [3]

A 10 kg bottle of CO₂ will allow you to package approximately 10 Nox® Big Bags (estimate about 1 kg of CO₂ per Nox® Big Bag packaged).
However, this figure can vary significantly depending on the type of product being packaged.
The exact quantities of CO₂ to be added are indicated on the filling calculator, accessible from the user support page. [16]

CO₂ is generally more effective than nitrogen because it actively disrupts insect respiration, while nitrogen only works by displacing oxygen. CO₂ is also easier to retain inside hermetic enclosures and to monitor in field conditions.

Both gases are used in modified atmosphere storage, but their modes of action differ.
- CO₂ acts on two levels: it reduces oxygen availability and directly affects insect physiology, causing dehydration and respiratory failure. Adult insects are typically eliminated within approximately 48 hours under suitable conditions, at concentrations around 60–70%.
- Nitrogen works only by displacing oxygen and requires very high purity (above 98–99%) to be effective against pests. Such conditions are difficult and costly to maintain in flexible hermetic enclosures.
CO₂ is also denser than air, which helps it stay inside hermetic enclosures, whereas nitrogen escapes more easily through micro gas leaks.

Key Benefits of CO₂ over N₂
- Active biological effect on insects, not only oxygen displacement
- Effective at lower purity thresholds
- Heavier than air, improving retention inside hermetic enclosures
- Easy to monitor with standard CO₂ level analyzers
- Compatible with organic agriculture practices when used correctly

Operational Notes
- Larvae and eggs may require longer exposure periods (around 21 days depending on conditions).
- A proper hermetic seal of the storage enclosure is essential.
- Gas use must comply with local regulations and applicable safety procedures. [81]

As a rough guide, plan for around 1 kg of CO₂ per tonne of grain to reach an effective modified atmosphere (> 40% CO₂) inside a properly prepared hermetic container. The exact figure depends on the void volume to inert, the tightness of the container and the product being stored.
On top of this initial dose, a maintenance top-up may be required to compensate for grain respiration and micro-leaks throughout the treatment period.

CO₂ requirements depend on three main factors:
- Volume of air to displace. CO₂ fills the interstitial space between the grains (≈ 35 to 45% of the volume depending on the product) and the headspace above the load. A container filled to the top consumes less CO₂ than a partially loaded one.
- Grain absorption rate. Part of the injected CO₂ is physically absorbed by the stored product. This rate varies significantly with the type of grain (cereals, oilseeds, pulses, seeds), its moisture content and its temperature. A moist or oil-rich grain absorbs more CO₂, which increases the initial quantity to inject and may require a larger top-up at the start of treatment.
- Target concentration. To achieve a reliable insecticidal effect, the goal is a > 40% CO₂ atmosphere maintained for several days to several weeks depending on the development stages of the targeted insects.
- Container tightness. A hermetic envelope limits leaks and allows the concentration to be maintained with a reduced top-up. With an imperfect envelope, CO₂ consumption increases.

Atmosphere monitoring

A successful modified atmosphere cannot be verified by eye: it is essential to regularly measure the internal gas concentration (CO₂ level, and ideally temperature, humidity and pressure) throughout the treatment period.

This monitoring makes it possible to:
• confirm that the target CO₂ concentration is reached and maintained;
• quickly detect a leak or sealing defect;
• trigger a top-up at the right time, without wasting CO₂;
• document the treatment for traceability and customer audits.

Operational notes

• The values above are indicative. A tailored sizing based on your product (cereals, oilseeds, seeds, pulses), your container and the intended storage duration is required.
• The effectiveness of the treatment depends directly on the quality of the seal. [82]

You can use Nox® Big Bags to store flour in an airtight environment.
However, we do not recommend to store flour under CO₂ in Nox® Big Bags: this is because the gas cannot diffuse inside the flour volume (no free space between grains).
As a result, Nox® Big Bags cannot be used for disinfecting flour and powders, but can be used for hermetic storage. [10]

You can store your products in Nox® Big Bags for several years, provided that the Modified Atmosphere is stabilized (and maintained) over the period and that the product is healthy at the time of bagging.
It is therefore necessary to regularly monitor the gas level inside the Nox® Big Bags. [24]

You can store all types of grains, food seeds, and seeds.
However, we recommend:
- not inserting raw product directly from the field.
- bringing your product to the appropriate temperature and humidity standards before packaging. [37]

CO₂ is a neutral gas. It does not chemically react with the preserved product and therefore has no direct impact on its physicochemical and organoleptic properties. [39]

The CO₂-rich Modified Atmosphere allows you to secure your seeds for several years without using chemical treatment or cold storage. Cold germination tests (conducted on several species of major crops) show that germination is stabilized. [40]

No, the Nox® Bags can still be pierced and rendered unusable by rodents.
However, in practice, the airtight bag significantly reduces the risk of attack by containing the smell of the grain.
Be careful not to pour grain between the two layers.
Always close the inlet spout of the outer layer using the ties provided for this purpose.
A rodent control plan for the storage area is still necessary. [7]

The Nox process allows for the creation of a Modified Atmosphere with a high CO₂ content, resulting in the total mortality of insects.

Following conditioning, adult insects in free form are eliminated after 48 hours. It takes up to 21 days for the total mortality of hidden forms and earlier stages (eggs/nymphs/larvae) possibly nestled inside the grains.

The speed of insect elimination depends on several parameters (type of insect, type of grain, temperature, humidity, CO₂ rate).

The elimination of hidden forms is made possible by the diffusion of CO₂ throughout the enclosure and inside the grain. Without CO₂ injection, the anti-insect action is not possible.

If you're using Nox® Bags to disinsect batches that are already infested, plan an additional sorting stage to remove any dead insects left inside. [36]

A primary insect relies on whole, healthy grains for its development and nutrition. It is also known as a hidden-form insect because its larvae develop inside the grains.
A secondary insect requires broken grains and/or fine impurities for its development and nutrition. Its entire life cycle takes place outside the grains. It is also known as a free-form insect. [62]

Yes, storing the flour using Nox® effectively prevents external infestations.
However, if insects are already present in the flour at the time of bagging, pest control is not guaranteed, as the gas has difficulty penetrating powdered materials. [69]

Nox® Big Bags have been designed to be hermetically sealed, and feature a system of non-return air valves, enabling both suction (of air) and injection (carbon dioxide/nitrogen).
Nox® Big Bags consist of two independent bags. The outer bag ensures the Nox® Big Bags' strength and stability, while the heat-sealable inner bag ensures hermeticity.
Nox® Big Bags feature four lifting points, a large filling port and a bottom-welded emptying port.
Nox® Big Bags can be reused several times (safety factor 6:1).
However, if the inner casing is punctured, they lose their original hermetic preservation function. [9]

If the hermetic inner layer bag is kept intact, the Nox® Big Bags can be reused multiple times. For reuse:
1. Blow out the inside of the Nox® Big Bag.
2. Neatly and horizontally cut the discharge spout, then heat-seal it.
3. Firmly reattach the two envelopes at the bottom using the strap.
Regularly measuring the internal CO₂ gas levels of the reused bags is crucial to ensure there are no leaks. [27]

The complete installation of a Nox® Mega Bag system takes approximately 2 hours.
This time does not include the time required to assemble the Nox® Mega Bag QuickLoad or to load the pallets. [75]

The Nox® Mega Bag should be placed on a totally flat surface. The surface must be sheltered, clean, and free of bumps. If necessary, clear the area and sweep it thoroughly. [79]

Yes, it is possible to enter the Nox® Mega Bag with handling equipment such as pallet trucks or forklifts, provided that certain precautions essential to preserving the airtightness of the container are observed.
- The installation area of the Nox® Mega Bag must be clean, flat and free of any protruding elements (stones, debris, shards) likely to puncture the airtight liner.
- During installation, it is imperative to cover the floor with a protective covering. This covering plays a key role: it protects the underlying airtight liner from friction and mechanical stresses generated by the passage of handling equipment. [80]

For optimal Nox packaging conditions and experience, you will need the following equipment:
- Nox® Big Bags
- Food-grade CO₂ (approximately 1 kg of CO₂ per Nox® Big Bag)
- Inflation and aspiration device (blower and vacuumizer)
- Heat sealing system
- Gas injection system
- CO₂ level analyzer
- Portable CO₂ level warning device (for operator protection)
- Suitable filling hopper with a circular and smooth chute (to avoid damaging the hermetic inner lining) [12]

To install a Nox® Mega Bag in optimal conditions, you will need the following equipment:
- Nox® Mega Bags (and the associated protective floor coverings)
- Nox® Mega Bags QuickLoad (suspension structure for Nox® Mega Bags)
- Suction device (vacuum)
- Impulse heat sealer
- Food-grade CO₂
- Gas injection system
- Gas levels analyzer
- Portable CO₂ alarm(s) (for operator protection)
- Extractor fan (to speed up air renewal in the working area) [78]

Yes absolutely, the product to be conditioned must be returned to standard temperature and humidity conditions. [11]

It takes between 5 and 10 minutes of conditioning per Nox® Big Bag (excluding filling). [14]

The Nox® Big Bags should be stored away from sunlight and weather.
Since the product is hermetically sealed, it emits less odor and is therefore less detectable by rodents. However, be careful, the bag remains vulnerable to rodent attacks.
We do not recommend stacking the Nox® Big Bags as there is a risk of tearing the inner layer and breaking the seal, but rather using rigid structures like racks. [23]

Yes, the transport of Nox® Big Bags in CO₂ is authorized.
Take care to visibly identify packaging under CO₂ so that loading and unloading operators can take the necessary precautions. [33]

The safety factor of a big bag is a coefficient that indicates the bag's mechanical strength in relation to its nominal load. It represents how many times a big bag can support its maximum designed load before breaking, under standardized test conditions.

🔍 Definition
Factor of safety = Breaking load / Rated working load
For example: a 1,000 kg big bag with a safety factor of 5:1 has been tested to withstand 5,000 kg before breaking.

💡 Reference standards
ISO 21898 or the European equivalent defines safety requirements for big bags:
- 5:1: standard single-use (most common in agriculture and food industry)
- 6:1: reusable use (requires checks between uses)
- 8:1 : UN-certified for transport of hazardous materials

Nox® Big Bags have a safety factor of 6:1. [34]

The Nox process is based on Modified Atmosphere Packaging (using nitrogen or CO₂), a technique approved for both organic farming and food use. All our containers are supplied with a food-grade certificate. [38]

No, if precautions are taken.
Nitrogen and CO₂ are gases naturally present in the air we breathe daily (78.08% and 0.04%, respectively). They are also already widely used in the food industry for the preservation of food in small packaging (bags, trays, carbonated drinks, etc.).
However, a too high concentration of CO₂ in the air we breathe leads to a loss of consciousness in a few seconds and then asphyxiation.
- The Nox packaging process must be done in large and ventilated areas. CO₂ must be handled in large and airy rooms.
- The operator must be equipped with an portable and audible CO₂ level alarm device. Fixed CO₂ detection is also recomended.
- CO₂ operating zone must be signalized adequately.
- The resulting packaged Nox® Bags must carry a clear distinctive sign.
For more information on CO₂ operating safety, please refer to our dedicated safety sheet. [50]

No, using the Nox system does not require any special training or authorization for operators.
The same applies to handling pressurized gas cylinders and injecting CO₂ or nitrogen).
However, safety instructions and provisions relating to the use of these gases must be put in place.
Recommendations and framework for regulatory use vary from country to country. [51]

The Nox® Control System is designed for anyone who needs to store agricultural raw materials under modified atmosphere. Seed producers, agricultural cooperatives, agri-food manufacturers, traders and storage operators...
It makes it possible to monitor and certify proper conservation and disinfestation. [84]

Each sensor provides readings of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, CO₂ level and O₂ level.
Impacts are also detected in order to strengthen leak prevention when the container is moved. [85]

By default, the measurements collected by the Nox® Control sensors are transmitted and stored online.
As a user, you have an account to view them through the Nox® Control dashboard. You can also invite collaborators to create secondary accounts, for which you define the access rights.
It is also possible to set up a local storage architecture for your measurements, without going through the cloud. [86]

Measurements are taken several times a day. The frequency is increased if significant events are detected during storage (for example, detected movement of the container).
The measurement frequency can be adjusted in the settings. A higher frequency will result in shorter battery life. [87]

The sensor is designed to be placed directly inside the hermetic container, as close as possible to the stored product.
It is suitable for food contact. [89]

Under normal operating conditions, a sensor has a battery life of 3 years without needing a battery replacement. [90]

The Nox® Control system is universal. It integrates with Nox® hermetic containers but can also be deployed on any type of existing installation. [91]

Yes. It is designed to adapt to a variety of field conditions, including where there is no electricity or network coverage.
The sensors transmit their measurements to an intermediate station that collects the data on site; the data is then uploaded automatically as soon as an internet connection is available, or manually where applicable.
The installation can be extended using repeaters to cover large storage areas. [92]

We have established a network of Nox Approved Conditioners. Upon request, we will connect you with the partner in your area. [2]

Once the order has been paid for, you will receive the equipment at the delivery address you provided. Delivery times may vary depending on the delivery area and time of year.
CO₂ supplies may take longer to deliver. If you do not yet have a supplier, we recommend that you place your order at least 15 working days in advance (for direct delivery to your site or for collection from a warehouse). [5]

You are a Nox user and are satisfied with the solution? Talk about it and refer your acquaintances!
You will receive 10% of the amount of their first order in Nox gift vouchers. [6]

To join our network of Nox® Certified Conditioner, you must:
- operate a fully compliant professional facility engaged in an activity compatible with the provision of agricultural services;
- be equipped with the necessary Nox packaging equipment and have a reliable source of CO₂;
- complete the initial training as well as the refresher courses offered regularly;
- comply with the Nox quality charter (service traceability, genuine Nox® consumables, reporting of field data) and safety guidelines. [68]