SiOCAST at BNEW 2024 FoodTech:
Transforming the Food Industry
As part of the Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) 2024, a panel discussion titled FoodTech: Transforming the Food Industry explored how technology is reshaping the food sector with a focus on sustainability and innovation. The panel was moderated by Diego Guri, Deputy General Manager of AMEC, and included speakers from diverse companies leading advancements in food technology. Representing SiOCAST, Ferran Navarro, CEO, highlighted the company’s innovative contributions to sustainability and efficiency in food production.
The Panel: A Meeting of FoodTech Industry Innovators
The discussion brought together a range of perspectives from key players in the industry:
- Verónica Ballesteros, Managing Director & Communications Manager at Paulig Spain, shared insights on integrating sustainability into corporate growth strategies and product development.
- José María Cabria, Business Development lead at AKO Electromecánica, addressed the role of refrigeration optimization in reducing environmental impact across food systems.
- Maite Castrillejo, CHRO at Hiperbaric, presented how high-pressure technologies enhance food safety while reducing waste.
- Ferran Navarro, CEO of SiOCAST, focused on the transformative potential of local and customizable mold production in the chocolate industry and beyond.
The session emphasized practical solutions for achieving sustainability goals while leveraging technological advancements to meet the demands of the modern food industry.
SiOCAST’s Vision: Localizing and Customizing Production
Ferran Navarro outlined SiOCAST’s unique approach to innovation in the food sector. As a startup backed by the industrial expertise of Coniex, SiOCAST has developed patented technology that uses silicone molds for plastic injection. This innovation enables:
Sustainability Through Localization:
SiOCAST empowers manufacturers to shift production from centralized, high-volume factories to local facilities. This reduces transportation needs and lowers carbon emissions by up to 65%, as calculated in comparison to traditional manufacturing methods.
Customization for the Chocolate Industry:
Highlighting the company’s collaboration with Escribà for the America’s Cup, Navarro demonstrated how SiOCAST’s molds can deliver high-quality, low-volume production tailored to specific client needs. This capability is particularly impactful in the chocolate industry, where personalization and exclusivity are in high demand.
A Broader Look at FoodTech Innovation
Other panelists complemented SiOCAST’s insights with additional examples of innovation:
- Paulig Spain: Verónica Ballesteros emphasized integrating sustainability at the strategy level, presenting cases like carbon-neutral coffee production and collaborations to reduce packaging waste.
- AKO Electromecánica: José María Cabria highlighted refrigeration technologies that reduce food waste and energy consumption while maintaining food safety standards.
- Hiperbaric: Maite Castrillejo discussed the potential of high-pressure systems to extend food shelf life, reduce microbial contamination, and support sustainable practices in hydrogen storage and 3D printing.
The Role of Technology in Sustainability
A recurring theme in the discussion was how technology serves as an enabler for achieving sustainability goals. From artificial intelligence to IoT-based monitoring systems, panelists agreed on the importance of leveraging advanced tools to streamline operations, minimize waste, and improve resource management.
SiOCAST’s approach exemplifies this intersection of technology and sustainability. By offering solutions that reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing while enabling rapid, customized production, SiOCAST is setting a new standard for innovation in the food industry.
Watch the full video of the BNEW – FoodTech discussion panel
Conclusion
The BNEW 2024 FoodTech panel showcased how companies like SiOCAST are driving the transformation of the food industry. By prioritizing local production, sustainability, and technological innovation, SiOCAST and its fellow panelists are addressing some of the sector’s most pressing challenges. This collaborative and forward-thinking approach ensures a future where the food industry is not only more efficient but also more sustainable.
For more information about SiOCAST’s solutions and technology, visit our website.
