KRONEN Develops Innovative Washing Solution

KRONEN has recently announced it has completed a research project in Spain, in collaboration with Citrosol S.A and CNTA (National Center for Food Technology and Safety). Together, the three have developed an innovative solution for the prevention of cross-contamination and reduction of water and energy consumption in the washing process of vegetables and fruit.

The project aimed to develop a solution for an industrial washing process with optimized water and energy use which complies with food safety directives, but without using chlorine-based additives. The project unfolded over the course of two years and received funding by the Eurostars program and by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Cross-contamination through the wash water was prevented by adding Citrocide PLUS - a Peracetic Acid (PAA) based formulation. When using Citrocide PLUS, no residues of the additive remain on the product after the washing process and no critical substances result from a chemical reaction of the additive with other substances in the water.

During the project, the GEWA AF washing machine developed by KRONEN, in combination with the Citrorocide PLUS measuring and dosage system, was shown to significantly lower water and associated energy consumption. With the new machine, KRONEN can offer a sustainable alternative to the conventional washing process (with or without chlorine-based additives) which at the same time increases consumer safety.