Servo solution maintains micro-dosing precision

DST, based in the Netherlands, was founded to develop and produce next-generation plant-based long-fibered meat and fish substitutes, using new technologies and production techniques that are designed to outperform existing processes in terms of flavoring, flexibility and scalability.

Its new solution, which includes a variety of intelligent devices from Rockwell Automation, uses precision control of different continuous shearing and mixing formulae to turn plant proteins and water into a wide variety of products that exhibit more realistic meat-like textures and tastes.  

Co-developed with Dutch mixing system specialist Sobatech and supported by Routeco Netherlands, a Rockwell Automation authorised distributor partner, the SHEARTEX process will not only widen the market in terms of texture/replacement possibilities, but will also bring costs down to a level comparable with current animal proteins.

“Our focus is helping developers make new plant-based and hybrid products that are as close as possible to the meat-based ones they replace,” explains Julian Lekner, co-founder of DST. “Food producers have been looking for the next big technology, and we believe that our SHEARTEX process answers their call. What's more, flavors and colors can be added directly, removing the need for post-processing steps.”

“The continuous method of operation demands incredibly accurate mixing, dosing and parameter control to deliver the perfect texture,” said Clint op den Buijsch, sales engineer at Routeco Netherlands.  

“The meat- and plant-protein markets are developing at a staggering pace,” said Roger Gaemperle, head of industry strategy and marketing, CPG and life sciences, EMEA, at Rockwell Automation. “New technologies and digitalisation are expanding what is possible in terms of processing, control and management. Meat replacement is seeing huge growth but until now, extrusion has been the only widely available technology. This new shearing process will introduce a paradigm shift in terms of what is now achievable.”

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