Packaging
Latest developments of DIL
Wednesday 04. March 2009 - Latest developments of robotic and high pressure procession; DIL presents first European Network of Excellence for food technology; Specific highlight will be DIL-Forum "High Pressure Technologies"
The German Institute of Food Technologies DIL (Deutsches Institut für Lebensmitteltechnik), located in Quakenbrück in the North West of Germany, is preparing to present trendsetting, the latest examples of research results and developments to the international food experts visiting the “Anuga FoodTec”-fair. This International Trade Fair for Food and Drink Technology is set in Cologne (Germany) from 10th to 13th March 2009 and takes place every three years. Anuga FoodTec is the worlds only specialist trade fair whose multi-sector approach covers all aspects of processing, packaging, hygiene, storage and distribution in food production.
The German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL) displays different aspects and highlights.
1. Robotic
One fascinating special show will be the “Robotik-Pack-Line” (robotic packaging line), established by Koelnmesse, the German Agricultural Society (DLG) and well-known technology partners like a.o. DIL. The show will demonstrate safe, quick und hygienic methods of producing, processing and packaging food products without human aid, since the system is fully automated. The Line producing ready to eat hamburgers will be located in Halle 8.1, Gang E Nr. 11.
Based on the growing importance of robotic for the food processing industry, DIL is currently establishing a main focus on this issue, bringing together the various competences in physical characterizing, food safety and engineering. Dr. Knut Franke, head of this unit, explains his targets: “We would like to demonstrate the large potential in terms of hygiene, productivity and flexibility which robotic can deliver to the food industry.”
Within the project “Robotik-Pack-Line” DIL experts will consult the partners on hygienic safety and product handling. Additionally the “Robotik-Pack-Line” will be available at the DIL for testing purposes as of now.
2. High Pressure Processing (HPP)
High Pressure Technologies will take centre stage on the DIL’s stand in Halle 8.1, Gang E, Nr. 040 as well as during the DIL-Forum which will be carried out 12th March, 2009 (Halle 7).
In line with its organisational structure DIL will present sectional images and models of examples. So the division “process development” displays the decontamination of drinks und liquids for example. “Product development” will present the production of a double cooked sausage in one process, which makes it a cheap product without any additives. “Product Safety” confirms that this is possible even with an extended shelf life.
At the fair visitors can make appointments regarding specific tests with their own products at DIL. In the institute there is the only “High Pressure Application Centre” in Europe to evaluate the opportunities of each product.
Know-how- and knowledge-transfer are the aims of the DIL-Forum “High Pressure Technologies” which takes place during the fair 12th March 2009. On this one-day-event DIL- and industry experts will explain and discuss the innovative opportunities of these new technologies. The Forum will be presented by Prof. Dr. Knorr (TU Berlin). The extraordinary chance to discuss with the leading technologists of research as well as application will lead to a large number of participants.
3. Network of Excellence “HighTech Europe”
At the Anuga FoodTec-Fair the first Network of Excellence in food technologies will come into the spotlight of the experts: “High Tech Europe”. The DIL’s stand will be the meeting point of the 23 partners of this brand-new network which has been lined up to bundle the competences of the state of the art research experts and to establish a European Institute of Food Technologies finally. In January 2009 the network was launched by Christian Wulff, Prime Minister of Lower Saxony.
“The platform “HighTech Europe” is an initiative of European research organizations, industrial associations and enterprises within the 7th Framework Programme of the EU research sponsoring created to make available the latest findings of biotechnology, nanotechnology as well as information and communication technology for novel strategies in food production.” explains DIL-director Dr. Volker Heinz the aims of this extraordinary network.
DIL will coordinate the Network, which is funded with a budget of 7,0 Mio. EUR. “We are looking for further partners.” Dr. Heinz finishes his statement and will be available at the fair for contacting.
4. Educational and training initiatives in Osnabruck District
On this event DIL is sponsored by the district of Osnabruck und its enterprise WIGOS. This effort balances the several educational and training activities DIL is conducting in the area.
There is a cooperation with the “Fachhochschule Osnabruck”
in some degree programmes. Recently there was the start up of the “Bildungsakademie Lebensmittelwirtschaft” (Food Processing Academy) together with the City of Dissen and WIGOS. Here future food operational managers are trained. DIL experts guarantee education and training on the highest level based on state of the art technologies and legal conditions.
“For us the Anuga FoodTec is a marketplace of information and knowledge transfer concerning latest results and findings of food research and development. There is no other place in Europe I can find more experts with this expertise.” Dr. Volker Heinz, head of DIL, summarises his expectations for this fair. He adds “This fair is an important event to demonstrate DIL’s expertise and know-how to scientists as well as to industry managers.” The top DIL experts will be present at the fair at the stands and also as participants of the different Congresses.