SINFIC, a prominent Portuguese business group with a wide-reaching scope across the Iberian Peninsula, Africa, and Brazil, is renowned for its implementation of expansive infrastructure and industrial projects. Within SINFIC’s diverse portfolio, the Nutriboty Business Unit specializes in processing botanical raw materials for various industries, including food, nutraceuticals and cosmetics. In 2022, the unit embarked on an extensive research and experimentation initiative to identify optimal sanitization technologies.
Drawing on over 40 years of expertise in designing and developing Radio Frequency (RF) solutions for industrial processes, Stalam played a pivotal role in advising SINFIC on identifying a suitable equipment for sanitizing plant substrates. The collaboration extended to rigorous testing carried out by Stalam’s R&D experts, who meticulously examined samples provided by SINFIC specialists. Through well-controlled RF treatments, optimal temperature curves were determined against predefined qualitative parameters, ensuring efficacy and safety.
Following the RF treatments, SINFIC’s Nutriboty carefully verified the samples’ qualitative and microbiological integrity. With conclusive evidence from laboratory analyses, the “SANILEAF+” model emerged as the preferred system for equipping SINFIC’s operations. The equipment’s versatility was evident as it effectively sanitized a wide range of botanical raw materials, from leaves to seeds, across more than 50 different species.
Dr. Manuel Mantua, a food technologist at SINFIC, emphasized the initial objective of rapidly and efficiently sanitizing botanical raw materials to enhance their microbiological parameters. Dr. Bruno Pacheco, manager of the Nutriboty Food Department, confirmed the equipment’s efficacy in achieving satisfactory results while maintaining essential sensorial qualities.
“We are using the equipment to treat different botanical products, obtaining satisfactory results both in terms of reduction in microbiological contamination and preservation of the required sensorial qualities.”
For Stalam, the project evidenced the value of its industrial experience in similar applications, ensuring delicate yet effective treatment to preserve product characteristics. Michele Bicego, R&D manager for innovative processes, highlighted the equipment’s efficacy in treating various products, from medicinal herbs to grains, with utmost precision.
“In the development of this project, our previous industrial experience in similar applications was of great help, such as the sanitization of medicinal herbs and the disinfestation of agricultural food commodities, all products that require effective but at the same time delicate treatment on the product, in order to best preserve its chemical-physical, functional and sensorial characteristics.”
Roberto Cian Seren, Stalam’s business development advisor, expressed satisfaction with the fruitful collaboration, recognizing SINFIC’s professionalism and trust in Stalam’s expertise. The project’s success exemplified the synergy between the two companies, confirming the RF technology’s ability to sanitize products effectively without affecting their qualitative attributes.
The Stalam-Nutriboy project was another example of the environmental friendliness of the RF technology, which avoids the use of harmful chemicals and pollution. This “green” technology aligns with both product safety standards and environmental sustainability goals, ensuring a holistic approach to sanitization.
