EU project NovelQ is to share results on novel processing technologies with the industry

NovelQ shares its results with the industry on 5 and 6 October in Wageningen. The EU-funded project is exploring novel processing technologies for foods.

35 partners from across Europe have spent the last five years translating scientific insights into applications in the field of novel processing and packaging for high-quality and safe foods. Some of the technologies, such as high-pressure pasteurisation, are already being used by many companies.

The project has provided more insight into the effects of high-pressure processing, pulsed electric field, cold plasma and advanced heating technologies on the quality and shelf life of foods. In addition, newly-developed applications and innovations that may benefit the food industry have been developed and proofs-of-principle have been demonstrated to show the potential of these technologies.

Application in the food industry

Five years ago, the general opinion in the industry regarding novel processing technologies was that it was highly interesting, but too far from business opportunities especially in Europe. There are now numerous applications, innovations, unforeseen and useful outcomes, as well as spin-off opportunities (e.g. in packaging). High-pressure pasteurisation, for example, is already being widely used for fruit juices, meats, tapas and whole meals. A cold plasma demonstrator has been developed and sold worldwide. These and other successes will be shared with the NovelQ project partners and members of the Industry Advisory Platform during the meeting. Interested parties may join the Industry Advisory Platform free of charge in order to attend the meeting.

Programme 5 and 6 October, Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research

The industry-oriented meeting will include:

• Mini-symposium with the latest scientific insights in the field of novel processing and packaging;
• Technology market with demonstrations of various applications and the opportunity for one-on-one sessions with novel processing experts;
• Debate on the future of food research and development in Europe.

NovelQ and Industry Advisory Platform

NovelQ is an integrated EU-funded project in which 35 partners (universities, research institutes and industrial partners) are working on developing and demonstrating sustainable novel processing technologies (high pressure, pulsed electric field, cold plasma, advanced heating technologies and packaging) to improve the quality (freshness, longer shelf life) of food. The project was launched in 2006 and will last until 2011. The European Commission has provided € 11.3 million in funding.

An Industry Advisory Platform with more than 75 industrial companies is part of the project. This platform provides input to the project with industrial experiences relating to (novel) technologies and has access to the latest results in the field. New members are still welcome.