Martec presents new Self-Optimising Clean-in-Place technology at Food Innovation Network launch
Martec of Whitwell, the Derbyshire-based Clean-in-Place and Hygienic Pigging specialists, presented their research into leading-edge Self-Optimising Clean-in-Place (SOCIP) technology at the launch of the Food Innovation Network in York on 24 October 2016. The Network, which was launched by Environment Secretary Angela Leadsom, will enable over 6,000 British food and drink companies to access facilities and online support that will help them innovate and develop new food production technology.
Ian Sterritt, Managing Director at Martec of Whitwell, comments: ‘Martec is a prime example of the kind of business that the Food Innovation Network is aiming to attract. We are the industrial partner and lead collaborator on the SOCIP Development Project, which is a pioneering cleaning system that will use artificial intelligence to autonomously optimise the cleaning process for food manufacturing equipment.’
Martec is working with the University of Nottingham and the Centre for Sustainable Manufacturing and Recycling Technologies (SMART) at Loughborough University to research and develop the new technology. The SOCIP Development Project, which has secured Innovate UK funding, could ultimately save the UK food industry £100m a year by substantially cutting food manufacturing equipment cleaning times, as well as helping the industry retain its position as a global leader in delivering world first technology.
‘SOCIP will reduce cleaning times by up to 50%, maximising productivity, improving hygiene standards and reducing waste,’ explains Ian. ‘This is exactly the kind of innovation that the food and drink industry needs to successfully meet the challenges of a fast-growing global population – which is why the Food Innovation Network is such an important and timely initiative.’
Get involved in SOCIP
Martec and their project partners are currently working on a 12 month feasibility study, which presents a unique opportunity for food and drink manufacturers to take early advantage of SOCIP technology. Any companies interested in taking part in the trialling process, or installing a prototype system, should contact Ian Sterritt on 07790 310112 or ian.sterritt@socip.co.uk
To find out more about the SOCIP Project, please visit www.socip.co.uk
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For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Ian Sterritt at Martec of Whitwell on 07790 310112 or email ian.sterritt@socip.co.uk
Notes to editors
Martec of Whitwell Ltd
Please visitwww.socip.co.uk for more information about the SOCIP Project. Click here to read the original press release about the launch of the project. You can find out more about Ian Sterritt at his Linkedin profile.
The Food Innovation Network
You can read more about the Food Innovation Network at www.foodinnovationnetwork.co.uk. For more information about the launch event on 24 October, you can access the official press release here. Ian Sterritt is pictured to the left of Environment Secretary, Angela Leadsom.