Better Juice Launches Commercial Sugar-Reduction Plant
Sugar-reduction foodTech start-up Better-Juice has launched its first full-capacity manufacturing plant setting the wheels in motion for full commercial production of its proprietary sugar-reducing immobilised enzymes.
The new facility will enable the company to fulfil current commissions from juice producers globally, as well as respond to anticipated new demands.
The groundbreaking technology developed by the Israeli start-up produces proprietary beads composed of non-GMO microorganisms that naturally convert the juice’s composition of fruit sugars, including sucrose, glucose and fructose into better-for-you prebiotic and other non-digestible fibres.
The new site, located in the Nes Ziona science park south of Tel Aviv, features commercial-scale equipment, including an industrial fermenter and industrial immobilisation processor. The specialised equipment is used for growing and harvesting the beaded microorganisms used in producing Better Juice’s immobilised sugar-reducing enzymes. The site also houses pilot labs and the company’s new headquarters.
The new plant has a production capacity to support the sugar reduction of 250 million litres of juice per year. Better Juice has entered into commitments with several juice companies to reduce the sugar loads in various fruit juices, including apple, orange, and pineapple juices.
Better Juice’s technology can reduce up to 80% of the simple sugar content in fruit juices and fruit-based condiments without any degradation of naturally occurring nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It does not dilute the product in a way, maintaining the body and full flavour of the juice and only gently reducing the sweetness.
Better Juice’s groundbreaking technology decreases the naturally occurring simple sugar loads in a versatile range of products, including juices, jams, yoghurts, ice creams, sorbets, and more, to the food and beverages manufacturers desired levels.
“This move marks a major leap forward in our commercialisation efforts,” enthuses Gali Yarom, Co-Founder and Co-CEO. “We project that the new plant will accommodate our production needs for the next four years. As interest and demand in our technology continue to flourish in the global fruit juice sphere, we will expand our production capabilities outside of Israel as well.” Wired magazine recently rated Better Juice as one of the 10 most promising start-ups in Israel.
Better Juice’s facility and operations also maintain high alignment with environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles. The biodegradable polymer beads are rechanneled to livestock feed after being used in the production phase, minimising waste. The bioreactors, which have a 20-year lifespan, can be controlled remotely, reducing the company’s need for travel and its subsequent carbon footprint. Only a small amount of energy is required to activate the bioreactors. On a social level, the company boasts a 50% female workforce and assists manufacturers of fruit-based products to comply with the various “sugar tax” regulations in the regions where they operate.
“We had to design and construct specialised systems from scratch to support our unique production processes while taking environmental considerations into account and adhering to the strictest requirements for waste treatment, water recycling, and energy efficiency,” said Henry Elkoby, Chief Engineer of Better Juice.
“Better Juice was founded with the vision of promoting the overall well-being of people globally,” said Eran Blachinsky, co-founder and co-CEO of Better Juice. “The realisation that also naturally squeezed fruit juice can harbour high quantities of simple sugar is what sparked the creation of the Better Juice technology.”
Source: Neutraceutical
