Regarding the "Next-Generation Fermentation" concept, what are the primary technical criteria that distinguish this new approach from traditional fermentation infrastructures?
We have developed a new approach to cooling, which is one of the key challenges in fermentation - especially as fermenter size increases. Our solution improves cooling efficiency while reducing overall cooling demand, and at the same time simplifies the design.
This results in a more cost-efficient system, using less steel and fewer components, which reduces complexity and increases flexibility. In addition, the design lowers the risk of contamination and minimizes downtime, contributing to more robust and reliable operations.
As the industry explores a wider range of novel food sources, how does Alfa Laval address the challenge of designing equipment that remains adaptable to diverse processing requirements?
Our design is inherently flexible, enabling use across a wide range of processing scenarios. To support development and scale-up, we offer access to testing facilities for partners and customers.
By leveraging Alfa Laval’s well-proven and comprehensive portfolio of technologies, we can adapt solutions to specific needs - for example, selecting the most suitable heat exchanger for each application. The concept supports both scaling up and scaling out, allowing for larger units or parallel installations.
With its modular approach, the system is also well suited for retrofits, enabling the use of existing tank infrastructure.
Within Alfa Laval’s recent research or technological advancements, are there any specific breakthroughs that you are particularly keen to highlight?
Alfa Laval continuously improves existing products and develops new solutions across both upstream and downstream processing. Our new Innovation Centre in Copenhagen further strengthens our capabilities in this area.
Within our fermentation system, we would particularly highlight the new agitator platform. At the same time, we recognize that innovation is not always about introducing entirely new technologies. By combining well-proven components from our portfolio into optimized solutions, we can deliver reliable and efficient systems tailored to the needs of this industry - our new fermentation system being a strong example of this approach.
What kind of new ideas or specific industry-wide conversations are you most looking forward to exploring with other attendees in Copenhagen?
We are very much looking forward to engaging with customers, partners, academia, and industry peers. With a strong team present representing a broad range of Alfa Laval technologies, we are keen to exchange ideas and explore key industry topics.
These include how to strike the right balance between food and pharma requirements, as well as discussions around the full value chain - such as how the choice of carbon source impacts scaling strategies, plant location, and overall process design.
Looking ahead to the session at Bridge2Food Europe 2026, what is the core technical or operational perspective that you hope will be the most valuable for the audience?
We are excited to introduce our new Alfa Laval fermentation portfolio. A key takeaway for the audience is how we can support simpler and faster scaling, helping to accelerate time to market for new products.
We also hope to spark interest in our solutions and encourage process technology developers to engage in development collaborations with us, exploring opportunities and advancing innovations together.