INSPIRATION
Along with optimizing various operations across the industry, companies now also focus on improving manufacturing processes.For instance, many winemakers are switching to underwater aging as it provides consistent temperatures,ideal low light, and high pressures without energy inputs. Advancements in forward osmosis are enabling beverage companies to improve efficiency in concentrating beverage products such as beer and coffee. Startups also develop ultra-fast cooling systems based on reverse microwaves to serve wine at recommended temperatures within minutes rather than waiting for the bottle to chill in the fridge. These technologies,among others, allow beverage manufacturers to improve
product quality and food security.
Hong Kong-based startup HakkoBako builds HB Pro, a smart fermentation chamber. HB Pro combines advanced heating and cooling technology and provides precise temperature control through an in-built touch screen and smart-phone app. This allows fermented product manufacturers to automate fermentation programs and optimize conditions for microbes to thrive, providing better control over flavor.The startup also offers various fermentation programs to start and manage operations quickly.
US-based startup Air Company advances CO2-to-ethanol technology. The startup captures CO2 emissions from traditional fermentation and industrial alcohol plants and splits water into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) using hydrolysis.The hydrogen and CO2 combine in the Carbon Conversion Reactor, whereas the oxygen is released into the atmosphere.
The Carbon Conversion Reactor is a continuous flow system with a proprietary catalyst that converts this CO2-H2 mixture into highly pure ethanol, methanol, and water. Later, a distillation process removes water and methanol and another step adds water to create vodka.
