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Transformational Steam Infusion Processing for Resilient and Sustainable Food Manufacturing Businesses
Christopher Brooks1, Mark Swainson2, Ian Beauchamp1
1OAL, A1 Parkway, Peterborough PE2 6YN, UK.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 27, 2021
Summary
Innovative steam infusion technology enhances food processing, improving sustainability and product quality. This technology reduces energy use, processing time, and greenhouse gas emissions, supporting responsible consumption and production goals.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Sustainable Manufacturing
- Process Engineering
Background:
- Food manufacturers face increasing pressure for enhanced sustainability and product quality reporting.
- Traditional heating methods in food processing are energy-intensive and time-consuming.
- Aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG12) is crucial for responsible production and consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of innovative steam infusion technology on food processing efficiency and sustainability.
- To demonstrate how this technology connects greenhouse gas emission reductions with product quality outcomes.
- To assess the potential for modular implementation in existing food manufacturing operations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Vaction Pump device for steam infusion heating of food materials.
- Conducted factory trials with in situ data logging for novel heating procedures.
- Compared energy consumption, processing time, and greenhouse gas emissions against basic direct steam heating.
Main Results:
- Steam infusion reduced energy consumption by 17.3% compared to basic direct steam heating.
- Achieved annual reductions of 277.8 processing hours and 8.7 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per kettle production line.
- Demonstrated improvements in operational agility, production responsiveness, and product quality attributes.
Conclusions:
- Steam infusion technology offers a significant reduction in carbon footprint and operating costs for food and beverage manufacturers.
- The modular nature of the technology facilitates integration into existing supply chains, supporting distributed manufacturing.
- This innovation enables stakeholders to demonstrate responsible consumption and production, aligning with SDG12.
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