Firmenich has opened a new pilot plant and laboratory, integrated into its production site at La Plaine, Geneva.
The facility will be used in the creation of new ingredients and clean label solutions, including flavours.
The pilot plant is expected to enable the development of efficient and high-quality production processes through biotechnology or natural extraction.
Commencing operations last month, the facility harnesses digital technology for increased automation.
According to Firmenich, the pilot plant can move from single to continuous batch process, increasing efficiency and speed, as well as reducing the use of raw materials.
“With our new biotechnology pilot plant closely connected with the ingredients production site, Firmenich provides integrated biotech development all the way down to the finished product, without any gaps,” said Genevieve Berger, chief research officer at Firmenich.
“Opening a new era in ingredients creation, our pilot plant and laboratory harness new technologies to improve clean label solutions, while the latest digital innovation maximises efficiency.”
Sarah Reisinger, senior vice president research operations at Firmenich, added: “Our new pilot plant provides greater flexibility to respond to customer needs in product development. Capable of handling multiple projects simultaneously, it also enables small-scale production of trial batches for formulation or testing and regulatory validation.”
According to Firmenich, its new facility is equipped with efficient bioreactors, minimising both the amount of waste produced and the amount of energy consumed.
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