JBT commits to continuing to build on strong record for sustainability

JBT Corporation has committed to continuing to support customers worldwide and improve sustainability through an increase in yields, a reduction in unnecessary wastage and greater control of energy usage, which the company strongly believes will mutually benefit all areas of the industry.

According to JBT Liquid Foods president and EVP, Carlos Fernandez, JBT has made significant strides building on an already strong record for sustainability, from altering daily working practices within the company to major infrastructure projects at manufacturing sites.

Fernandez said JBT was continuing to assist customers in improving sustainability by helping reduce energy consumption through solutions like the heat recovery system (HRS) for continuous rotary sterilisers for canned foods, which has been developed to maximise heat recovery during the sterilisation process.

JBT is using the businesses it acquired to assist in its mission. Proseal, a specialist in technology solutions for the packaging industry which became part of JBT in 2019, offers a number of systems, which can reduce the use of plastic.

Proseal has been a major driving force in solutions that significantly reduce plastic in packaging, replacing clamshells with microperforated film, which helps products such as berries and mushrooms ‘breathe’ at a controlled rate, extending shelf-life. Meanwhile, JBT solutions such as ReadyGo CIP and Citrosan help producers and processors cut bills by reducing the amount of water and chemicals needed by making caustic and rinse water safe for reuse.

JBT’s many alliances have also played a major role in boosting sustainability. Laser Foods laser-labelling technology for fruit and vegetables can all but eliminate the need for traditional labels, while, Aurratech – originator of the Fog In Place disinfection system – typically helps companies save between 80-90% of water and 80-90% of chemicals in the fumigation of facilities.

IceGen similarly can help achieve a 70% reduction in freezing time for orange juice enabling considerable energy savings, while JBT’s newest ally – SmartWash – is assisting companies in the fresh-cut produce sector in improving throughput by 30%.

Fernandez added: “We are not doing this because it is a fashionable or trendy topic, we are doing this because it is essential for the health of the food industry. JBT’s technologies are key to this focus, providing solutions to maximise yield, minimise wastage and preserve food in all its forms to increase shelf-life.”