Gea Group
https://www.gea.com/es/company/index.jsp
Gea Group
About company
About us
GEA is one of the largest technology suppliers for food processing and a wide range of other industries. The global group focuses on technologies, components and sustainable solutions for sophisticated production processes in diverse end-user markets. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we build strong partnerships with them. We provide individual and sustainable solutions for a wide range of customer-specific industries.
Founded in 1881, GEA has continued to develop and set new standards to meet the needs of the market and its customers. Today, GEA is a globally active and leading company, known for its outstanding technologies worldwide, particularly for the food industry.
We strive to be the world’s leading technology group, providing innovative and sustainable solutions for sophisticated process industries.
Dry Pet Food
On a market where customers increasingly demand products as similar as possible to the ones for humans from a nutritional and production quality point of view and for the variety of formats, our many years of experience in developing food processing technologies allow us to offer futuristic solutions able to set new standards on the market.
Our philosophy leads us to work alongside our customers, supporting them in creating and developing innovative products, helping them define the formulations, forms, consistencies, weights, flavors and colors that best satisfy the demands of the final consumer. We share their goal of obtaining an innovative and high-quality industrial production based on collaboration that starts with research and is embodied in the provision of the most advanced processing technologies.
Applications: kibbles, pillows, dental sticks.
R&D and pilot plant
We feed our success through constant and thoroughly organized Research & Development activities performed by a team of 30 people that includes process technicians, analysts and mechanics. They have at their disposal 2000 sq. m of facilities equipped with a completely new pilot plant capable of developing new products in all respects and a laboratory equipped with all types of instruments for chemical, chemical-physical and rheological analysis and nutritional/organoleptic testing.
Products
Company News
Market Information
2+ MIN
26/02/2024
GEA achieves key milestone: Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validates 2040 net-zero target
'We are proud of the validation by the SBTi,' said CEO Stefan Klebert. 'This shows that we are taking a pioneering role in climate action, because our net-zero pathway is not just ambitious but also in line with latest climate science.'
'The SBTi validation of our net-zero target puts GEA at the forefront of the mechanical engineering sector,' says Chief Sustainability Officer Dr. Nadine Sterley. 'To achieve our climate targets, we have drawn up a comprehensive Climate Transition Plan 2040. This sets out how we will further accelerate the transformation of our operations, our product portfolio and our supply chain.'
GEA's Climate Transition Plan 2040 specifies timings, the measures to be implemented as well the investments needed to achieve the net-zero target. The detailed Climate Transition Plan will be presented in March 2024. At the next Annual General Meeting on April 30, 2024, GEA plans to hold an advisory vote by shareholders on the Climate Transition Plan 2040 – the first of its kind within the DAX Index family of companies.
"This shows that we are taking a pioneering role in climate action, because our net-zero pathway is not just ambitious but also in line with latest climate science."- Stefan Klebert, CEO
GEA Climate targets
In December 2023, GEA announced its upgraded climate targets.
Short-term target 2026:
Reduction in GHG emissions from our own operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 60 percent by 2026. This target was originally set for 2030.
Medium-term targets for 2030:
Reduction in GHG emissions from our own operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 80 percent (previously: 60 percent reduction) by 2030. Reduction in product related GHG emissions (Scope 3) by 27.5 percent (previously: 18 percent reduction) by 2030.
Long-term target 2040: net zero.
Source: GEA.
Market Information
3+ MIN
12/01/2024
GEA explores potential of insect protein for animal feed
Since 2017, GEA has been supporting Future Green Solutions in carrying out research on processing black soldier larvae into nutritional animal feed by providing them with expertise, and a separating decanter. The Australian start-up believes the insect alternative to soy and fish protein and grains, could offer customers a sustainable long-term solution.
Traditionally, for the fish farming industry, animal feed manufacturers have focused on fish meal made from fish not used for human consumption, while for the livestock industry grains like corn are the main source of feed. However, as a result of caps on fishing, an unpredictable climate that is putting pressure on the supply and cost of grains and the demands of consumers, they are being forced to explore more sustainable sources.
According to Luke Wheat, CEO, Future Green Solutions, this is where protein rich insects like the black soldier fly, which have the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and can be grown in small spaces, come in:
"We take farm waste and use the black soldier fly larvae to digest it. The insects are then processed into animal feed and what is left is used as a fertilizer. We're adding value to waste and then putting it back into the food stream as high value protein. The insects are produced in a controlled and methodical way that's not affected by changes in the climate."
Proven GEA technology enhances research
As part of the collaboration with Future Green Solutions, GEA supplied a three-phase separating decanter, which Dirk Sindermann, Head of Process Technology Renewables, Business Unit Separation, Separation and Flow Technologies, describes as the heart of the processing line:
"The decanter is responsible for separating the protein in the insects from the fat, which is one of the most important steps."
The decanter, along with the expertise provided by the Sales Support, Renewables & Process Technology Renewables teams in Oelde, Germany, as well as colleagues from GEA Australia, has allowed Future Green Solutions to go from a start-up conducting research to getting closer to the commercialization phase.
The decanter allows the company to produce a product that is low in fat and high in protein, making it much more valuable within the market.
High potential industry
For GEA, the collaboration is an opportunity to get a foot in the door in an industry which Dirk Sindermann describes as having big potential:
"The insect for protein industry is still very young and start-ups in particular are experimenting with different methods for the best possible production of proteins from insects. Through this collaboration, we can collect important data and gain experience."
"In the future, the production of insect proteins will take place on a large scale and due to our extensive and longtime expertise in recovering proteins from all kinds of sources – vegetable or animal based - GEA is the perfect partner for this growing industry.'
–Dirk Sindermann, Head of Process Technology Renewables at GEA.
Currently, Future Green Solutions continues to conduct trials and increase its production.
However, the company aims to open its first commercial facility within two years and is in talks about an agreement with a buyer that would keep several facilities running.
Why Australia?
The legislation around both the processing of insects for the food industry and the animal feed industry differs around the globe. GEA chose to partner with an Australian company because the country has more flexibility when it comes to feeding the insects farm waste or waste from canteens.
"Right now you cannot take the same approach in Europe, it's much more limited because of the legal framework. However, the Australian government has given Future Green Solutions a number of grants and is interested in pushing this type of development", says Dirk Sindermann.
For Luke Wheat, when looking to the future, he says GEA's involvement continues to be invaluable:
"We spent a lot of time on research and development of our process. But the key to moving forward has been GEA's separating decanter. My experience with GEA and GEA's people in Germany and here in Australia has been nothing but a pleasure. GEA understands the vision of where the insect industry is moving to and can see that it's a huge business opportunity.'
–Luke Wheat, CEO, Future Green Solutions.
Source: GEA Group
Interviews
3+ MIN
22/12/2023
Interview to Vanni Antonello - Application Manager at GEA Group
Under what premise and purpose does GEA currently work and design products and services? At the heart of GEA's services and products lies the customer, with their expectations, needs and product. That is the main goal when designing our systems and, in so doing, we set ourselves apart from other market players while keeping a special focus on the following: Design: Utmost flexibility: in today's rapidly evolving market, it is more necessary than ever to be able to rely on highly flexible systems and machinery designed to meet our customers' current and future needs. A single technology partner: having a single contact person during the key stages of the process, from handling raw materials to packaging, involves working with specialists who can solve the various issues that arise and transfer their knowledge to their customers' staff. Tailormade approach: customers have various requirements, but by drawing on its expertise in designing and manufacturing systems and machinery, GEA can meet customer demands promptly and efficiently. Service: The extensive network of GEA enables our sales staff and specialist technicians to support our customers at all times and provide assistance at short notice. In addition, we offer customer service packages such as: Health check: one of our specialized technicians will visit the plant twice a year to inspect its condition and maintenance, check operational efficiency, and recommend which spare parts need to be ordered depending on machine conditions (in this day and age, unplanned downtime is a cost that must be absolutely avoided). Differentiating service offering with various packages: bronze, silver and gold, with an increasing number of services that can be agreed with the customer in order to keep the costs of routine maintenance and, at higher levels, extraordinary maintenance under control. According to your vision and experience, what is the key to a successful process in pet food? Reliability, sustainability and automation. These three elements are what make the difference in a competitive market such as the Petfood market. Reliable machinery, which enables customers to obtain quality product without production downtime to avoid profit loss. Sustainability, which is to be achieved by using energy-efficient systems. And state-of-the-art automation, which allows the parameters of the system to be promptly adjusted in order to maximize its output. How do you see medium-term development in the pet food processing area? Flexibility will become increasingly crucial for making strategic choices regarding products and, consequently, technology as well. The petfood market is increasingly influenced by trends that are driven by taste preferences as well as dietary and medical/care requirements. Pet food can no longer be considered merely as food, but rather as a supplement to medical treatment that can be used to address animal health problems, and is highly recommended by vets. What proposals will the company present in terms of innovation in 2024? When it comes to technological advances, GEA focuses not only on researching new machinery but also on solutions that can improve the current state of the art, so that we can equip our customers with the means to keep up with the latest market trends. With this approach in mind, GEA is making major investments in sustainability by developing energy-saving solutions that consume less water, as well as in automation by developing sensors which, by incorporating artificial intelligence, will allow customers to make their systems more productive and autonomous. Source: GEA Group
Extrusion
1+ MIN
30/05/2023
Taking Pet Food to a Premium Level
Flexible pet food solutions Pet owners often want to give their pets high quality, premium food, just as they would care for a child's diet. Nutrition, process control and food quality are complex and sophisticated topics and in order to stay ahead in the competitive pet food market, you need reliable technology that enables you to benefit from new business opportunities and create new food formats. With roots that go back to the very start of the food processing industry, GEA is in the privileged position of having over 80 years' experience. We have become true specialists in the areas we are active in, like spray and freeze drying, evaporation, filtration, meat preparation, extrusion and packaging for wet, dry pet food, treats and pet food ingredients. Serving the pet food industry Each solution is tailored to specific process needs, factory conditions and business objectives. We design our equipment to boost process efficiency, while offering safety and flexibility in terms of product development. We have a unique understanding of the pet food market and have installed numerous complete lines worldwide, all developed hand-in-hand with customers. Our technology covers a multitude of pet food areas, including Pet Food Ingredients Wet Pet Food Dry Pet Food Pet Food Treats Freeze-Dried Pet Food Whether you need a single machine to boost existing line performance or a complete solution for a new factory, GEA is the right partner for you. By GEA Source: All Pet Food
Extrusion
4+ MIN
28/11/2022
Pet Food: High quality cuisine for your pet
Pet food ingredients GEA technology plays a vital role in the preparation of high-quality ingredients for pet food. Microfiltration and ultrafiltration are used for the purification, fractionation and concentration of essential pet food components and flavorings from meat and plant extracts. Nanofiltration is sometimes incorporated to achieve better separation and concentration of key ingredients. The integration of reverse osmosis and evaporation provides an energy efficient, optimal dewatering step to prepare purified ingredients for economical spray drying. Manufacturers need to create ingredients of high quality with specific flavor characteristics. To meet these requirements our spray dryers and FILTERMAT® dryers are designed to operate at low temperatures, with a wide range of products, even those containing high concentrations of oils and hydrolyzed proteins, while preventing product deterioration during processing. GEA spray dryers produce powders that are optimized for extruded or pelletized products. Meat preparation technology for wet, dry and raw pet food Whether you need an automated meat preparation line, or a single machine that offers flexibility and versatility in batch production, GEA has the technology to help you. We have dedicated equipment for grinding, mixing, batching and handling. And equipment that combines cutting, mixing and emulsifying in one. This is complemented by automation and packaging solutions in line with the latest retail trends. Dry pet food extrusion The deep knowledge of technologies and processes learned from the world of food combined with the trend of humanization that is spreading in the world of pet food has led our technicians to the development of cooker extruders able to produce products with the highest levels of digestibility and nutrition. Our cooker-extruders combine the delicacy of cooking in a vaporization tank with the power and sanitization of the heat treatment of the extrusion, allowing us to obtain products that meet the most stringent quality requirement. We design and manufacture tailor-made extrusion lines for the production of any kind of dry pet food such as kibbles, pillows and various kind of treats. Our flexibility and knowledge of technology allows us to offer machines with high production capacity, solid and durable and able to adapt to any new product development or market need. Freezing solutions for pet food Before freeze drying the raw meat, cooked meat or kibbles need to be frozen. This is done by using Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) technology developed by GEA. Our full line of IQF tunnel freezers are designed to provide your bulk product with superior frozen quality. They are characterized by hygienic design, high yield and minimum energy consumption. The full and gentle fluidization during the freezing process ensures safe product handling and preservation of the product shape, colour and texture. IQF tunnel freezers can be configured to match the specific pet food application and customer requirements so that they are perfectly integrated into the processing line for pet food production. Freeze drying solutions for pet food Freeze drying is a form of dehydration in which pet food has its intrinsic moisture removed through sublimation. This preserves the overall structure and size of the final product, including its vitamins, proteins, flavors and colors. GEA scope of supply includes processing solutions for a variety of pet food products including freeze dried raw meat, cooked meat, kibbles, snacks and treats. The freeze-drying technology for raw pet foods allows them to keep their original properties, texture and uncooked appearance. GEA's RAY™ technology a highly efficient and economical batch freeze drying process. It has negligible power loss (less than 0.1%), low energy consumption, uniform drying, high sublimation capacities and a modular design. Small RAY™ cabinets can be de-iced in just 10 minutes whereas larger units benefit from the GEA's Continuous De-Icing System (CDI) to further reduce downtime. Pet food packaging solutions Packaging plays a critical role in the distribution, preservation and presentation of pet food. Differentiating your product on the shelf can be as important as the product's taste itself. GEA offers thermoforming equipment and vertical form fill and seal equipment that helps you meet today's operational challenges such as variety, process flexibility, uptime, reducing the cost per kilogram and per pack, food safety and the environment. Start to finish pet food solutions Whether you need a single machine to boost existing line performance or a complete solution for a new factory, GEA is the right partner for you. Multipurpose line for extruded dry pet food We design and manufacture tailor-made extrusion lines for the production of any kind of dry pet food such as kibbles, pillows and various kind of treats. Our flexibility and knowledge of technology allows us to offer machines with high production capacity, solid and durable and able to adapt to any new product development or market need. By GEA Source: All Pet Food
Drying
1+ MIN
31/08/2022
Unleash the potential of freeze-dried pet food
Date: Thursday Nov. 3rd
We will host two identical sessions. Please select the time slot that works best for you:
09:00 CET / 04:00 am US Eastern Time
Register here ›
17:00 CET / 12:00 pm US Eastern Time
Register here ›
About this webinar:
During this webinar you will:
Understand the benefits of freeze-dried pet food
Explore the pet food freeze-drying process
Learn about critical aspects and challenges
Get the opportunity to quiz our experts, Maite Harguindeguy and Morten Woldsted Pedersen
The webinar will last for 45 minutes, including Q&A.
Meet the experts:
Maite Harguindeguy – Process Specialist, GEA Process Engineering
Morten Woldsted Pedersen – Area Sales Manager, GEA Process Engineering
Can't make it? You should still register. All registered attendees will be able to access a recording of the presentation after the event, so you can still see the session on your own time.
by All Pet Food
