High-speed sterilising technique wins patents

Newcastle-based Continuous Retorts (CRL) has been granted a series of European patents and expects US patents to follow for its food processing technology. This is just 18 months after receiving investment from the Finance for the Business North East Technology Fund, managed by IP Group.

This is a critical as the firm seeks to secure its first international sales of systems that enable plastic laminate pouches, pots, trays, tin cans and glass jars to be sterilised or pasteurised at a high speed and with low unit cost. It expects to have several bespoke machines up and running by early next year.

Water wastage

CRL claims its new process is novel because, unlike conventional retorting where packs are treated in batches using a comparatively slow and inefficient process, its approach operates at high speed and has been shown to cut energy use by 60% and water wastage by 100%. The equipment is also said to be far more compact than existing retorts.

CRL’s founder and md David Lambert said: “We have identified a much higher growth potential for the business following interest in our disruptive, energy-efficient technology from retailers and manufacturers. The fact that our continuous retorts can significantly lower operational expenses and provide payback in just two years is proving to have strong appeal.”

Contact: Continuous Retorts