European citrus distributor Fontestad says it has implemented the AgroFresh Control-Tec Eco system as part of its ongoing sustainability initiatives.
The technology will help the company navigate limited water resources during the ongoing drought in Spain and will help Fontestad to significantly reduce water consumption in its fruit-washing process as part of its dedication to environmental stewardship and resource efficiency, according to a news release.
“Fontestad has consolidated its commitment to sustainability through a comprehensive plan, which encompasses seven areas of environmental management,” Francisco Arastey Mercader, technical manager for Fontestad, said in the release. “From water management to the reduction of atmospheric emissions, the company is implementing concrete measures to preserve the planet’s resources and reduce its environmental footprint.”
The washing system has allowed the company to achieve annual savings in water consumption of more than 70%, Arastey said.
“Working with Control-Tec Eco from AgroFresh has many advantages such as greater precision and consistency, as it is an automated system, it provides a precise and consistent dosing of product to help ensure that the right amounts are used in each washing and rinsing process,” Arastey said. “It also saves time and resources, as well as optimizing resources, which is not only beneficial from an economic perspective, but also from a sustainability and environmental care approach. At Fontestad, we will continue to seek and adopt innovative technologies that allow us to effectively conserve natural resources while maintaining the quality of our products.”
The filtration and particle removal technology of Control-Tec Eco equipment allows Fontestad to separate and remove solids and organic matter, seeking to reduce water usage while maintaining effective fruit cleaning and disinfection, according to the release. This system also automatically adjusts water flow rates, detergent and biocide doses according to fruit production, with the goal of optimizing resources and minimizing waste generation.
“Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the solutions AgroFresh continues to bring customers across the post-harvest produce industry,” Ian Mackellar, chief operations officer at AgroFresh, said in the release. “These solutions not only benefit customers like Fontestad but also contribute to environmental targets measured by our retailers.”
