Filtrox AG has redesigned their recycling shredder to make it more efficient and to fit into confined spaces.
Filtrox, a globally operating company based in the Swiss town of St. Gallen, develops and produces layered filters of various shapes and sizes for use in food production as well as in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Offcuts produced during the cutting process were previously shredded using two machines and then transported away via chutes to either side of the shredding plants, both of which had two containers for this purpose. However, this solution required an enormous amount of space, which considerably impeded the work processes.
The company therefore sought an alternative option and found what it was looking for at Erdwich Zerkleinerungs-Systeme GmbH: The company from Igling in Bavaria adapted a model for cardboard shredding to the confined conditions on site in such a way that the two newly installed plants require less space overall and the volume of filter material residues is now reduced by more than 90 per cent. In this way, emptying of the directly connected collection container is also less frequent.
Filter layers perform complex tasks in the chemical, food and life science industries by removing a wide variety of particles from liquids, depending on the purpose for which they are used. For example, they ensure that the cork taste disappears from wine and turbidity from beer and are used to purify extracts or fermentation broths that are subsequently processed in the flavouring industry or for pharmaceutical purposes.
“To achieve this effect, the filter layers used for depth filtration consist of a cellulose or polymer fibre matrix,” explains Dennis Haag, Head of Engineering and Maintenance, at Filtrox. “The matrix is enriched with mineral filter aids and bonded together via a resin binder.”
Modification for confined spaces
Although the material thickness of the filter layers is only between 3.2 and 4.6 mm on average, the efficient shredding of the materials is a challenge. “Since the filter layers consist of a very dense, fibrous material, it is essential to take this into account when designing the plant,” reports Harald Erdwich, Managing Director of Erdwich Zerkleinerungs-Systeme. “Otherwise, the filter layers may not be drawn in properly by the knives with the result that the machine may consequently work inefficiently.” Another problem was the lack of space in Filtrox’s production hall. The new plants, which were to replace the two machines previously used, therefore required a particularly compact design so that the work processes would be inhibited as little as possible. This applies, for example, to the collection containers, which have to be removed regularly and replaced by empty containers.
After material tests in their in-house Technical Centre and evaluation of the space conditions, the Erdwich experts decided to modify the FKZ fine cardboard shredder for use at Filtrox. While the previous FKZ1300 and FKZ1600 models are relatively large with cutting unit sizes of 1,278 and 1,616 mm respectively, a much smaller version had to be developed for filter layer shredding. Due to the limited space available, the two FKZ200s used at Filtrox have a very small cutting unit with a width of approximately 200 mm and specially adapted hoppers, as well as a low drive power of 2.2 kW each. The filter trimmings, fed directly from the processing machine, have a width of between 10 and 50 mm, depending on the product. Thus, a throughput of about 140 kg/h can be achieved per shredding plant.
Ripper blades improve feed ratio
“Another reason for the high throughput is the knife system,” explains Erdwich. “Ordinary knives are often not able to grip some materials properly, so that manual help, for example with a manual feed press, is required. This problem does not occur with the ripper blades, because they have a better grip on the material and thus achieve a more efficient feed behaviour.”
The integrated comb ensures that the material does not wrap around the cutting rotor and can be shredded without problems. In the subsequent shredding process, the filter layers are not so much cut as torn apart, which happens regardless of the material: The blade insertion sequence does not have to be adapted for different types of filter layer, but works equally well for all types.
After the material has been shredded to a size of about 20 x 50 mm, it is transported by a screw conveyor with a drive power of 1.1 kW into a collecting container with a capacity of about 1000 litres. The entire shredding and collection process takes place in a very confined space. The compact design not only facilitates exchanging the containers, but also makes the machine very easy to maintain, for example, by allowing easy cleaning of the built-in sieve.
Volume reduction of up to 97 percent
Filtrox now also saves space through the shredding process itself. This is because it was possible to reduce the volume of the filter layers by approximately 97 percent by commissioning the new plants. This means that the collection container has to be emptied less often, saving valuable working time. The shredded material is then processed further.
Recycling: Filtrox shredder configured to reduce volume of layered filter residues by more than 90 percent
, /in Product news /by panglobalFiltrox AG has redesigned their recycling shredder to make it more efficient and to fit into confined spaces.
Filtrox, a globally operating company based in the Swiss town of St. Gallen, develops and produces layered filters of various shapes and sizes for use in food production as well as in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Offcuts produced during the cutting process were previously shredded using two machines and then transported away via chutes to either side of the shredding plants, both of which had two containers for this purpose. However, this solution required an enormous amount of space, which considerably impeded the work processes.
The company therefore sought an alternative option and found what it was looking for at Erdwich Zerkleinerungs-Systeme GmbH: The company from Igling in Bavaria adapted a model for cardboard shredding to the confined conditions on site in such a way that the two newly installed plants require less space overall and the volume of filter material residues is now reduced by more than 90 per cent. In this way, emptying of the directly connected collection container is also less frequent.
Filter layers perform complex tasks in the chemical, food and life science industries by removing a wide variety of particles from liquids, depending on the purpose for which they are used. For example, they ensure that the cork taste disappears from wine and turbidity from beer and are used to purify extracts or fermentation broths that are subsequently processed in the flavouring industry or for pharmaceutical purposes.
“To achieve this effect, the filter layers used for depth filtration consist of a cellulose or polymer fibre matrix,” explains Dennis Haag, Head of Engineering and Maintenance, at Filtrox. “The matrix is enriched with mineral filter aids and bonded together via a resin binder.”
Modification for confined spaces
Although the material thickness of the filter layers is only between 3.2 and 4.6 mm on average, the efficient shredding of the materials is a challenge. “Since the filter layers consist of a very dense, fibrous material, it is essential to take this into account when designing the plant,” reports Harald Erdwich, Managing Director of Erdwich Zerkleinerungs-Systeme. “Otherwise, the filter layers may not be drawn in properly by the knives with the result that the machine may consequently work inefficiently.” Another problem was the lack of space in Filtrox’s production hall. The new plants, which were to replace the two machines previously used, therefore required a particularly compact design so that the work processes would be inhibited as little as possible. This applies, for example, to the collection containers, which have to be removed regularly and replaced by empty containers.
After material tests in their in-house Technical Centre and evaluation of the space conditions, the Erdwich experts decided to modify the FKZ fine cardboard shredder for use at Filtrox. While the previous FKZ1300 and FKZ1600 models are relatively large with cutting unit sizes of 1,278 and 1,616 mm respectively, a much smaller version had to be developed for filter layer shredding. Due to the limited space available, the two FKZ200s used at Filtrox have a very small cutting unit with a width of approximately 200 mm and specially adapted hoppers, as well as a low drive power of 2.2 kW each. The filter trimmings, fed directly from the processing machine, have a width of between 10 and 50 mm, depending on the product. Thus, a throughput of about 140 kg/h can be achieved per shredding plant.
Ripper blades improve feed ratio
“Another reason for the high throughput is the knife system,” explains Erdwich. “Ordinary knives are often not able to grip some materials properly, so that manual help, for example with a manual feed press, is required. This problem does not occur with the ripper blades, because they have a better grip on the material and thus achieve a more efficient feed behaviour.”
The integrated comb ensures that the material does not wrap around the cutting rotor and can be shredded without problems. In the subsequent shredding process, the filter layers are not so much cut as torn apart, which happens regardless of the material: The blade insertion sequence does not have to be adapted for different types of filter layer, but works equally well for all types.
After the material has been shredded to a size of about 20 x 50 mm, it is transported by a screw conveyor with a drive power of 1.1 kW into a collecting container with a capacity of about 1000 litres. The entire shredding and collection process takes place in a very confined space. The compact design not only facilitates exchanging the containers, but also makes the machine very easy to maintain, for example, by allowing easy cleaning of the built-in sieve.
Volume reduction of up to 97 percent
Filtrox now also saves space through the shredding process itself. This is because it was possible to reduce the volume of the filter layers by approximately 97 percent by commissioning the new plants. This means that the collection container has to be emptied less often, saving valuable working time. The shredded material is then processed further.
Unilever partners with ENOUGH for plant-based meat products
, /in E-News /by panglobalABUNDA
Unilever has partnered with food-tech company ENOUGH (formerly 3F BIO) to bring new plant-based meat products to market.
ENOUGH grows non animal protein by fermenting fungi using renewable feedstocks to grow the most sustainable source of food protein. This produces what the company calls ABUNDA mycoprotein, a complete food ingredient containing all essential amino acids as well as being high in dietary fibre. It is versatile and can be made into vegan meat, seafood and dairy products. The company will supply ABUNDA as a B2B food ingredient to consumer brands and retailers, addressing the need for high scale supply of healthy and sustainable protein to address a rapidly growing market.
ENOUGH, with operations in Scotland, England and the Netherlands, is building a first of its kind mycoprotein factory (50,000 tonnes capacity) which will initially grow 10,000 tonnes per annum and which targets production of over a million tonnes cumulatively within 10 years of its launch in 2022.
Peak meat consumption
Recent research [1] suggests that Europe and North America will reach “peak meat” by 2025, at which point consumption of conventional meat starts to fall. The global meat-free sector is expected to hit US$290 billion in 2035.
Carla Hilhorst, EVP of R&D for Foods & Refreshment at Unilever, said: “Plant-based foods is one of Unilever’s fastest growing segments and we’re delighted to partner with ENOUGH to develop more sustainable protein products that are delicious, nutritious, and a force for good. We’re excited by the potential that this technology has for future innovations across our portfolio, and we can’t wait to launch more plant-based foods that help people cut down on meat, without compromising on taste.”
A plant-based food revolution
The game-changing protein is a natural fit for Unilever’s fast-growing meat-alternative brand, The Vegetarian Butcher, which grew over 70% in 2020. With a broad range of products for meat lovers, flexitarians, vegetarians and vegans alike, the brand is on a mission to become the largest butcher in the world by inspiring a plant-based food revolution.
The Vegetarian Butcher uses a diverse blend of plant-based proteins to create meat-like tastes and textures for its wide-ranging portfolio, which is now available in 45 countries across four continents. The Vegetarian Butcher’s recently launched vegan Raw Burger delivers the taste and tenderness of a beef burger cooked rare, while its partnership with Burger King has brought products like the Plant-Based Whopper, Plant-Based Nuggets and Vegan Royale to meat-lovers in more than 35 countries around the world.
Andrew Beasley, Commercial Director of ENOUGH, said: “Producing vast quantities of healthy and sustainable protein is one of the most urgent global priorities. There’s a rapid transition in the food industry and we are excited with this collaboration with Unilever and The Vegetarian Butcher, which truly supports our aim to create impact and scale.”
Unilever’s ‘Future Foods’ ambition
Plant-based innovations like these will support the delivery of Unilever’s strategic focus on developing the portfolio into high-growth spaces, and contribute towards its annual global sales target of €1 billion from plant-based meat and dairy alternatives by 2025-2027. The target forms part of Unilever’s ‘Future Foods’ ambition, launched globally with two key objectives: to help people transition towards healthier diets and to help reduce the environmental impact of the global food chain.
In 2019, Unilever made an €85 million investment in ‘The Hive’, a foods innovation centre at Wageningen University in the Netherlands to support research into plant-based ingredients and meat alternatives, efficient crops, sustainable food packaging and nutritious food.
Unilever has also partnered with biotech company Algenuity to explore the use of microalgae, another highly-nutritious and sustainable protein powerhouse, into a wealth of products such as mayonnaise, soups, sauces and meat alternatives.
Reference
Dunkin’ Donuts praised for committing to use cage-free eggs at all locations globally
, /in E-News /by panglobalDunkin’ Donuts, the Massachusetts-based coffee and breakfast chain with more than 11,300 locations worldwide, has won praise from animal protection non-profit Lever Foundation for committing to use only cage-free eggs at all locations globally.
The move was announced in an updated sustainability policy released by Inspire Brands, the Georgia-based holding company that acquired Dunkin’ in December 2020. “Globally, Inspire has committed to 100% sourcing of cage-free eggs across all brands by the end of 2025…Dunkin’ [is] continuing to make positive progress in their sourcing of cage-free eggs,” reads the new statement in part. Inspire had previously issued cage-free commitments for its other QSR brands that use eggs, Arby’s and Sonic, but not for Dunkin’.
“We applaud Dunkin’s commitment on this important animal welfare issue,” said Kirsty Tuxford, corporate engagement specialist at Lever Foundation, a global animal protection non-profit that worked with Dunkin’s teams in the US and Asia over the past year and a half on the commitment. “Ten of the world’s 25 largest fast food chains have now pledged that they will not source caged eggs anywhere in their global supply chains, including throughout Asia.”
Nearly 30% of Dunkin’s restaurants are located outside of the U.S., including 1,600 locations in Asia. The company’s announcement comes on the heels of similar pledges made over the past six weeks by rival donut brand Krispy Kreme as well as upscale coffee chains Caribou Coffee and Au Bon Pain, each of which also worked with Lever Foundation on setting global cage-free egg commitments.
Lever Foundation is an international animal protection non-profit with staff operating across Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America.
Get your entries in for the Fi Europe Innovation Awards & the Start-up Innovation Challenge 2021
, /in E-News /by panglobalFi Europe combined with Hi Europe, the world’s leading F&B ingredients show, will once again this year recognise outstanding achievements in the industry. Startups launched within the last 5 years are invited to share their most innovative product, service or solution by submitting an entry before 17 September for the Startup Innovation Challenge 2021, while exhibiting companies participating in the event are invited to submit their entries before 24 September for the Fi Europe Innovation Awards 2021.
There are eight categories in the Fi Innovation Awards 2021, seven of which are open to exhibitors only (online or in-person), while for the first time this year the Future of Nutrition category will honour people from non-exhibiting companies, associations or organisations.
Both the Startup Innovation Challenge and the Fi Europe Innovation Awards are well established and highly prestigious, acknowledging and highlighting ground-breaking innovations.
From ingredients, process technology and equipment, to new strategic approaches and initiatives, for many years, the Fi Europe Innovation Awards have honoured pioneering work – yet they always mirror current industry trends. This year, the finalists and winners will be chosen by a jury of industry experts chaired by Prof Colin Dennis, who is Chair of the Board of Trustees of both IFIS and the British Nutrition Foundation. The winners will be announced live in Frankfurt during Fi Europe and will be streamed online too.
Prof Dennis, who has been the Fi Innovation Awards jury chair since 2019, highlights the role the Fi Europe Innovation Awards play in recognising innovation in the F&B industry: “Innovation in the food industry is vital to its future success. Meeting consumer and market needs, while considering the health of people and the planet, diversity and inclusivity are key drivers for companies. Innovations in processes, ingredients and products continue to deliver nutritional benefits and/ or new sensory experiences. The Fi Europe Innovation Awards recognise the many exciting developments in all these areas and illustrate the pace of innovation in the sector. I very much look forward to working with colleagues on judging the entries for 2021.”
Fi Innovation Awards categories
Companies can submit an entry for one or more of the following categories. The jury will give preference to new products introduced within the last two years:
Startup Innovation Challenge
Now in its sixth year, the Startup Innovation Challenge is a unique competition aimed at supporting innovative projects within the F&B industry through a specialised support programme tailored to startup’s needs.
This contest is open to all startups with innovations targeting the F&B sector with a focus on:
The awards will be hosted in conjunction with Fi Europe combined with Hi Europe 2021, the world’s largest gathering of ingredient buyers and decision makers. Finalists will gain global exposure and meet key industry players who can help take their innovations to the next level.
Great prizes
All finalists will be invited to pre-record a presentation pitch which will be featured during the online event, as well as give a live pitch in-person at Fi Europe combined with Hi Europe 2021. The winners can look forward to prizes such as personal mentoring from a jury member of their choice, a booth at Fi Europe 2022 or an Fi Global Insights & Ingredients Network Digital Package to promote their online presence throughout the year.
Startups can select multiple categories, but will only compete in one. The shortlisting jury will determine which one is most suitable for applicants based on the information submitted.
Categories for the Start-up Innovation Challenge
Enter here:
For the Fi Innovation Awards go here:
https://www.figlobal.com/fieurope/en/show-highlights/innovation-awards.html
For the Startup Innovation Challenge, visit:
https://www.figlobal.com/fieurope/en/show-highlights/startup-innovation-challenge.html
Uelzena Group publishes sustainability report 2020
Sustainability, /in E-News /by panglobalThe Uelzena Group has published its sixth sustainability report with the title “Designing the future together”. Progress, measures and key successes were also reported in the 2020 business year within the five action fields of company, products, production, employees, and social and regional responsibility. Data was collected in accordance with the international GRI standard.
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
The Uelzena Group says it is continually working on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in production. To reduce emissions along the value-added chain, the Group says it is essential to focus on the upstream processes – specifically milk production. A pilot project was initiated with the aim of decreasing avoidable emissions in this area. It looks at the carbon footprint of diary farming and milk production and demonstrates options for dairy farmers to reduce their own emissions.
Focus on togetherness
The Covid-19 pandemic turned the working and business world upside down, the company notes, pointing out that lockdown measures and their economic impact also affected employees of the Uelzena Group in a variety of ways. Positive effects included a stronger team spirit and the expansion of digital possibilities, while negative effects were caused by the many necessary process adjustments. Ensuring the health and safety of the employees whilst also sustaining the business processes as a milk-processing company was a major challenge that Uelzena was able to handle successfully.
Sustainable milk production
Incorporating sustainability aspects with regard to the primary ingredient of milk holds an especially high priority for Uelzena as a milk-processing company. In 2020, the volume of raw milk supplied rose by further seven percent. 76 percent of this milk is VLOG certified, which means that no genetically modified crops are used in the cattle feed.
In order to investigate aspects of sustainability at the level of milk production, Uelzena participates in the QM sustainability module milk.
Synergy Flavours adds to its citrus portfolio with new Italian extracts
, /in Product news /by panglobalBergamot from Calabria, Italy
Synergy Flavours has drawn on the 130-year heritage of its Italian business to develop a new Italian Provenance citrus range, which taps into consumer demand for premiumisation and increased product transparency. The extracts, developed using traditional extraction techniques to produce distillates, infusions and washes, include Calabrian lemon, Italian blood orange, Italian bergamot, Sicilian blonde orange, Sicilian mandarin, Sicilian lemon and Ligurian / Sicilian chinotto.
The new extracts deliver signature flavours to products from beverages, to baked goods and dairy products. Customers can add a sweet and juicy taste to their products with Sicilian blonde orange, or a complex sweet and sour note with Sicilian mandarin. For a distinct fresh, zesty aroma with a bitter and pungent profile, they can consider Italian bergamot, which is particularly suited to tea (Earl Grey), juices and alcoholic beverage applications.
Giorgio Ferluga, technical manager, Synergy Flavours Italy, commented: “Italy is world-renowned for citrus and particularly lemon, which has been cultivated here for over 1,000 years. Processing the highest quality fruits directly from nature in a sustainable way enables us to deliver natural and authentic citrus profiles that meet the specific application requirements of our customers. Our contracts and agreements with domestic suppliers in Italian growing regions guarantee reliable and efficient supply. Alongside this, our rich heritage and citrus know-how means we can help provide new inspiration to our customers so that they can excite consumers’ taste buds.”
Citrusology
Synergy has decades of experience in developing citrus profiles using a range of extraction methods and using different techniques to create natural flavours. This expertise has culminated in Synergy’s new global Citrusology programme, which includes a series of educational webinars, that help food and beverage manufacturers to explore the nuances of flavour across regions and citrus varieties. The goal of this programme is to help customers find their path to provenance, whether that be through a natural flavour which delivers a signature tone and is reminiscent in profile to the provenance material, or by enabling provenance declarations through named source ingredients, such as the new Italian extracts.
Vicky Berry, European Business Development Manager, Synergy Flavours, commented: “While provenance is a growing trend for consumers, manufacturers have many choices and considerations when it comes to creating a provenance-inspired citrus product. In some markets and for some consumers, using named source materials is the preference, however, there are regulations and supply considerations to be taken into account. There is no ‘one size fits all’ and a whole world of possibilities exist when innovating with citrus. We work collaboratively with every customer to help them to take their citrus products to a new level.”
International Molasses introduces powdered sweetener made from cane juice
, /in Product news /by panglobalInternational Molasses, a leading supplier of molasses and natural sweeteners, has introduced CaneRite™ Panela, an all-natural, free-flowing powder sweetener made from the freshly squeezed juice of the entire sugar cane plant. Unlike conventional “raw sugar” products, CaneRite Panela is unrefined and non-centrifuged, so that it authentically and comprehensively retains all the cane plant’s original flavor and nutritional benefits.
Characterized by mellow notes of toffee and caramel, CaneRite Panela’s flavor profile delivers a satisfying, “sweet but not too sweet” taste. Its nutritional profile is equally impressive: by keeping all nutrients inherent to the whole cane plant – including magnesium phosphorus, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and zinc – CaneRite Panela has five times the vitamins and minerals of raw sugar. The product is also is rich in antioxidants.
Ingredient for North American food manufacturers
Panela is a traditional staple in Latin America and many other parts of the world. Its ability to harness the
wholesomeness of cane juice has been generally ignored by food manufacturers in the United States; with CaneRite Panela, International Molasses is making the core ingredient available to North American food manufacturers in a form that is easy to use in a wide array of formulations.
CaneRite Panela is an attractive sweetener option for a variety of food applications, including spices, BBQ and other sauces, cookies, bakery items, bars and confectionary items. For solids, CaneRite Panela offers excellent binding properties and a natural brown coloring with caramel notes. For all applications, it aligns with non-GMO and clean label ingredient claims increasingly popular with modern consumers.
“CaneRite Panela combines the flavour and nutrition benefits of a sweetener widely used in other markets with an ease of formulation attractive to North American food manufacturers,” said Amy Targan, President of International Molasses and its sister company, Malt Products Corp. “It also amounts to a sort of ‘nature-made’ brown sugar, eliminating the multi-step process often utilized to produce brown sugars by combining white sugar with molasses products.”
Sustainable farms in Ecuador
CaneRite Panela is sourced from sustainable farms in Ecuador that have been recognized for their development of innovative methods of organic farming. Officially known as the ReBird-Avez Project, the initiative fosters protection and propagation of native birds and insects – and utilizes these species to control pests, thereby allowing farmers to eliminate pesticide use.
AstaReal introduces high-quality feed ingredient brand NOVASTA
, /in Product news /by panglobalAstaxanthin powder
AstaReal is launching its astaxanthin brand NOVASTA® for antioxidant-rich pet food and feed supplements in the European market. With its high content of natural astaxanthin and additional valuable carotenoids, proteins, carbohydrates and essential fatty acids, the wholesome ingredient supports optimal health and nutrition for a variety of animals.
Microalgae
Astaxanthin is nature’s most powerful antioxidant. Derived from the microalgae species Haematococcus pluvialis, studies have shown that it has wide-ranging benefits for muscles, eyes, the brain, immune system and much more. As it is suitable for all animals, including pets and those in competitive sport, agriculture and aquaculture, the market opportunities for NOVASTA are vast.
For farmers, safeguarding animal health is key to achieving the highest possible yield from cattle, pigs, sheep, poultry and other livestock. NOVASTA supports productivity in agriculture by encouraging improved fertility, better growth during suckling, more successfully hatched chicks and stronger immune defence for overall health.
Moreover, NOVASTA ensures optimal growth, health and pigmentation in fish and crustaceans. It also allows aquaculturists to use fewer fish-based products, as it is derived wholly from algae in environmentally sound aquaculture.
Microalgae-derived astaxanthin represents a sustainable and naturally sourced feed ingredient with excellent eco credentials. In addition, it is easy to combine with other nutrients for a wide array of innovative animal products such as dry and wet food, powder mixes, extruded snacks, soft chews, flakes, tablets, softgel capsules and liquid solutions.
Müller’s Mühle invests €14.5 million in vegetable proteins
, /in E-News /by panglobalMüller’s Mühle dairy alternative
Müller’s Mühle, one of the leading suppliers of legume and rice flours, has invested €14.5 million in new refining technology for legume flours. With the help of a modern air separation plant, the company can now produce functional flours with a protein content of up to 65 per cent, enabling protein enrichment and nutritional optimisation of many foods. They are particularly suitable as a basis for plant-based alternatives such as meat, egg and milk substitutes, as well as for snacks, baked goods and pasta.
Müller’s Mühle uses different legume species as raw materials, and processes them gently to preserve their valuable nutrients. The flours are marketed under the “SMART Pulses Pro” brand. At source, they are naturally free of allergens and are also clean label.
With their high-quality nutritional and functional properties, “SMART Pulses Pro” ingredients enable the development of innovative product concepts in the plant-based segment.
From cheese, yoghurt and quark substitutes to plant-based drinks and desserts, the range of applications for milk alternatives is huge. In this area, lentil-based flours are particularly interesting thanks to their relatively neutral taste profile. From a sensory point of view, SMART ingredients also score in terms of texture: they impart appealing consistency and creaminess to products. Furthermore, their nutritional profile enables high-protein positioning and a desirable NutriScore.
Meat substitutes
Thanks to their protein content and structure-forming properties, “SMART Pulses Pro” concentrates can be further processed into high-quality texturates that serve as a basis for meat substitutes. In addition to purely vegan and vegetarian products, pulse-based texturates are also suitable for hybrid products in which the meat content is partially replaced.
Egg substitutes
Be it for baked goods, vegan mayonnaises or dressings: the emulsifying effect of the new concentrates makes it possible to replace eggs in a variety of recipes. But the legume flours are also the base for innovative egg substitutes, such as vegan scrambled eggs.
Sustainability
In addition to protein, Müller’s Mühle legume flours provide dietary fibre and minerals, B vitamins and trace elements and, in this respect, are far superior to protein isolates. In terms of sustainability, the flours are convincing due to their resource-saving cultivation: legumes do not require artificial nitrogen fertiliser, increase soil fertility and have a low water requirement. Legume-based products therefore meet the needs of environmentally-conscious consumers who are willing to pay a higher price for food that is produced as sustainably as possible.
Müller’s Mühle lentil pasta
”Vegan, high-protein, low carb, clean label, free-from – pulses serve several major food trends at once. Moreover, with their low carbon footprint and excellent nutritional profile, they are the ideal raw material for a sustainable diet,” said Uwe Walter, Managing Director at Müller’s Mühle. “We are therefore convinced that ingredients based on these superfoods will become increasingly important for contemporary food concepts. From new product development to reformulation, with our new functional variants, we can support food manufacturers better than ever.”
Müller’s Mühle is part of the GoodMills Deutschland GmbH group of companies. Its core competence lies in the procurement, processing and refinement of pulses; in addition, Müller’s Mühle is the largest rice refiner in Europe.
GoodMills collaborates with Equinom to perfect the pea
, /in E-News /by panglobalGoodMills will collaborate with Equinom, an Israel-based, plant tech company, to crossbreed Yellow Pea seeds to achieve a tailored raw material.
Equinom creates new seed varieties using patented AI-driven breeding technology and, by harnessing the natural diversity in crops, no gene editing or modification is required.
For GoodMills, Equinom will research how best to crossbreed Yellow Pea seeds to achieve a tailored raw material with outstanding sensory properties: The ingredients derived from it are expected to be without off-flavours and provide ideal protein composition for an outstanding texture in finished products such as meat and dairy alternatives as well as pasta.
With the plant-based market currently experiencing a phenomenal boom, legumes are celebrating a real comeback. According to Markets and Markets, “the global pea protein market size is projected to grow from US$745 million in 2020 to $1,400 million by 2025, recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% during the forecast period”. [1]
Pea organoleptic properties
GoodMills has been active in the field of plant-based proteins for decades and, accordingly, already provides the industry with state-of-the art ingredients. However, particularly with peas, there is still some scope when it comes to the further development of organoleptic properties.
Michael Gusko, Global Innovation Director at GoodMillsX – GoodMills Group’s innovation task force, says: “In Equinom, we’ve found a partner with whom we can get to the heart of this challenge – by creating our own perfect raw material. As the two leading innovators in our fields, we’re always looking for inventive yet natural solutions, and we share the same passion: creating a sustainable, plant-based future.”
Computer-based breeding
Equinom creates superior seeds naturally by crossbreeding exotic, ancient and modern varieties. Utilising its abundant seed bank, Equinom employs computer-based breeding and traditional genomic technologies to predict and simulate new varieties. This matchmaking process speeds up and perfects the breeding.
Rick Mignella, EVP & Managing Director, North America at Equinom says: “Our aim is to drive the global creation of truly healthy, appealing and sustainable non-GMO foods which are affordable to the masses. We are always happy to partner with passionate companies who are doing their bit to help future-proof the planet through plant-based innovations. We are confident that we’ll soon enable GoodMills to serve the market with a novel Yellow Pea-based ingredient that will make sustainable and delicious plant-based food more widely accessible.”
Yellow Pea variant
Once the tailored Yellow Pea variant has been developed, different subsidiaries of the GoodMills Group will profit from it: GoodMills Innovation, leading supplier of plant-based texturates based on wheat and legumes, will use it to expand its portfolio of texturates. Müller’s Mühle, one of Europe’s largest suppliers of dried legumes and leader in legumes refinement, will extend its portfolio of legume flours that are ideal as a base for meat, pasta and dairy replacements, and for use as a high-protein ingredient in drinks, snacks, breakfast cereals, baked goods and pasta.
[1] https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/pea-protein-market-36916504.html