At the butcher's shop at supermarket chain AD Delhaize in Maasmechelen (Limburg), food is now packed using a very innovative machine developed by the Borgloon-based company Dispogroup. The technology doubles the shelf life of food, resulting in up to 80 per cent less meat ending up in the dustbin.
New packaging machine drastically reduces amount of meat ending up in the bin
Colin Clapson
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Updated:
Last year, Dispogroup launched its first packaging machines on the market. Now the packaging machines are also available to retailers, butchers and smaller food companies. Dispogroup is also offering the equipment as a rental. Users need not necessarily pay to purchase the machine, but only for its use.
And that use is very easy. ‘The butcher puts a tray of fresh meat in the machine,’ explains Nick Kwanten, co-owner of Dispogroup. ‘He just has to place it in the machine. The tray closes automatically.’
"Then gas is added and it is sealed. Finally, it comes out as a package packed under modified gas. That doubles the shelf life. For example, meat will have an 8-day shelf life instead of 4 days."
80 percent less food waste
The longer shelf life also reduces the need to throw away spoiled meat. "Working with a number of customers, we kept data on how much fresh meat is thrown away," says Nick Kwanten.
"The figures show that the average retailer has to throw away 80 percent less meat thanks to our sealing machines using MAP technology (Modified Atmosphere Packaging). On an annual basis, we are talking about an average of 4,493 fewer portions of meat spoilage per retailer."