Wayne Labs has more than 30 years of editorial experience in industrial automation. He served as senior technical editor for I&CS/Control Solutions magazine for 18 years where he covered software, control system hardware and sensors/transmitters. Labs ran his own consulting business and contributed feature articles to Electronic Design, Control, Control Design, Industrial Networking and Food Engineering magazines. Before joining Food Engineering, he served as a senior technical editor for Omega Engineering Inc. Labs also worked in wireless systems and served as a field engineer for GE’s Mobile Communications Division and as a systems engineer for Bucks County Emergency Services. In addition to writing technical feature articles, Wayne covers FE’s Engineering R&D section.
The ubiquitous milk and juice carton—lined with polymers and often aluminum—can be upcycled into new and useful products ranging from building materials to shoes and furniture.
While a brand-new greenfield plant may not be realistic, incremental automation upgrades based on existing resources and future needs can provide cost-effective solutions without obsoleting existing processes and equipment.
Keeping bacteria out of food facilities involves a committed risk-based approach to sanitation and being diligent day-to-day in cleaning and keeping records of past bacteria locations—plus training employees to be ever mindful of thorough and effective cleaning.
International research finds potential energy savings of 25 terawatt-hours per year and decreased carbon emissions equivalent to 3.8 million cars taken off the road.
What’s not to like about improving sustainability and protecting the environment while saving energy and money—and best of all, no equipment or software expenditures are necessary.