Claranor wants to develop sterilization by pulsed light
An article by Maëva Gardet-Pizzo
“Specialist in the sterilization of food packaging by pulsed light, the company located in Avignon seduces the giants of the food industry. From now on, it seeks to widen its spectrum of activity by focusing on health and cosmetics.”
Specialist in the sterilization of food packaging by pulsed light, the company located in Avignon seduces the giants of the food industry. Now, she seeks to broaden her spectrum of activity by focusing on health and cosmetics.
It was in Japan in the 1970s that pulsed light was discovered. Emitted in very short flashes, the light specifically targets groups of atoms in contact with which it transforms into heat. Heat that destroys the targeted chromophores without damaging the rest. Very popular in hair removal, light reacts on contact with the melanin contained in the hair. In Claranor’s field, namely sterilization, it destroys bacteria, viruses and molds without altering the nutritional qualities of the product. And this, in just a few milliseconds, without the need to use any chemical substance. An interesting alternative to the chemical processes and the disadvantages which accompany: residues in packaging, nuisance for workers who handle, gas emissions or even an oxidizing atmosphere in packaging.
Specialized in food packaging Pulsed light sterilization is therefore a small revolution. But it took a long time before gaining a place on the market.
“There was an American company, PurePulse, which embarked on this process in the years 1980-1990. But it never sold industrial machines”, explains Christophe Riedel, CEO of Claranor. And to recall the series of European companies that have fallen in turn. In question: “a food industry which, under strong cost pressure, is not very open to innovation in terms of its processes”. Never mind. In 2004, Claranor was created. It will take five good years before becoming operational, the time to carry out tests on different types of products: nasal spray, bread … But it is ultimately on food packaging that the company chooses to focus. “For three reasons. First, the plastic surfaces are smooth and therefore easier to decontaminate.” Conversely, rough textures would produce shadow effects which would disturb the treatment. “In addition, they are universal products. They are found everywhere, in similar forms around the world. Finally, in food, decontamination is most often chemical.” And the opportunity of a clean alternative all the more interesting.
Customers among the giants of the food industry
Specialised in food packaging
Pulsed light sterilization is therefore a small revolution. But it took a long time before gaining a place on the market. “There was an American company, PurePulse, which embarked on this process in the years 1980-1990. But it never sold industrial machines”, explains Christophe Riedel, CEO of Claranor. And to recall the series of European companies that have fallen in turn. In question: “a food industry which, under strong cost pressure, is not very open to innovation in terms of its processes”.
Never mind. In 2004, Claranor was created. It will take five good years before becoming operational, the time to carry out tests on different types of products: nasal spray, bread … But it is ultimately on food packaging that the company chooses to focus. “For three reasons. First, the plastic surfaces are smooth and therefore easier to decontaminate.” Conversely, rough textures would produce shadow effects which would disturb the treatment. “In addition, they are universal products. They are found everywhere, in similar forms around the world. Finally, in food, decontamination is most often chemical.” And the opportunity of a clean alternative all the more interesting.
Broaden its spectrum of activities
A strategy that has enabled Claranor to grow – with a current workforce of 32 employees – and to post a turnover of 5.75 million euros in 2018. A growth that it wants to pursue by widening its spectrum of ‘activities. “A year ago, we launched into infant milk. We will soon deliver a machine in France which is a very large operator on this market”.
But the SME is also eyeing the side of health and cosmetics. “With Steriline, an Italian company specializing in aseptic lines for medicines, we are developing the decontamination of syringe trays”. Pharmacy, “a sector that seeks economic performance and wants to avoid heavy, even chemical, processes”. A desire that is found in cosmetics where preservatives are strongly questioned. A first machine was delivered in this sector last year, and it should not be the last.