Food ingredient innovator Pectin 360 (P360) has partnered with The Original Juice Company (TOJC), listed on the ASX, to transform food waste into usable pectin and fibre. This collaboration involves the establishment of a pilot plant with the support of an undisclosed research and commercialization entity. The partnership, formalized through a Heads of Agreement, leverages the research partner's advanced plant processing equipment and expertise to expedite the pilot plant's development, aiming at cost and time efficiency.
TOJC, producing in Melbourne's Mill Park, faces over 10,000 tonnes of citrus peel and apple pomace waste annually. The initiative by P360, under the leadership of Martin Kaderavek, seeks to manufacture 100% Australian-made pectin and fibre, providing a competitive local alternative to imported variants. This move is expected to benefit various industries dependent on pectin.
P360's engagement with Scimita Ventures for a techno-economic analysis and process improvement has underscored the project's potential for economic viability, sustainability, and significant cost advantages over imported pectin. TOJC's CEO Steve Cail emphasized the alignment of this venture with their goal of full fruit utilization, waste reduction, and value creation. Furthermore, TOJC's recent merger announcements with SPC and Nature One Dairy highlight a strategic move towards operational expansion and diversification.
Source: AuManufacturing