3D printing has actually been referred to as the ‘tech of the future’. For Revo Foods, it is quite the tech of today.
Revo produces mycoprotein meat and fish optionsthrough 3D printing innovation. Especially, it just recently produced and launched the ‘world’s very first’ 3D-printed smoked salmon filletin 2015.
Now, the business has actually revealed a brand-new printer, the ‘Food Fabricator X2’, which can personalize shapes, structures and textures, and has a multi-nozzle system that can print several items simultaneously.
Revo is likewise preparing to high end production with the cash it wishes to raise from a prepared release of digital shares to the general public.
Constant production
Revo’s brand-new innovation makes it possible for constant meat analogue production which, the business states, is the very first time mass production of such items has actually been possible with 3D printing.
The business’s printer is “an entirely brand-new production equipment to make it possible for the structuring of complex, heterogeneous food products with 3D innovations. 3D Food Printing existed for a while, however we established (and trademarked) some primary elements which now allow us to bring this innovation to the commercial scale,” Revo Foods’ CEO Robin Simsa informed FoodNavigator.
The business’s brand-new extrusion print-head style, for instance, allows a constant circulation of products for the very first time. Before this, a more labour-intensive batch procedure was the order of business. “With this service it is possible to deal with big product volumes without manual labour input. Certainly, this has a big result on the expense.”
The multi-nozzle print head style can produce numerous items at the exact same time. “While dosing systems with several nozzles have actually currently remained in usage in the food market for years, this is the very first time that this system is being included in a 3D food printing setup.”
A modular plug and play system links the production devices. “This method, we can enable a modular scale-up of the production to occur, and digitally manage the entire production in regards to various item types and styles. No more hardware modifications are required in between various item types, which is another big benefit.”
3D printing is especially matched to ‘structured’ and ‘intricate’ items such as entire cut filets and steaks, Simsa informed us, instead of ‘non-structured’ items such as hamburgers and chicken nuggets. “3D Food Printing is basically the regulated mix of 2 various food active ingredients into brand-new structures. Other innovations (e.g. extrusion) are unchecked, for that reason much better matched for non-structured items.
“When it concerns complicated products, 3D Food Printing is the very first innovation that actually permits the combination of a fat stage into the plant-protein fiber matrix, which is the secret for these items to reach brand-new sensory levels. In summary, both innovations can be utilized for various item applications, and 3D printing is preferable for high-value, totally structured meat options.”
Personalizing meat and seafood
While a lot of popular for its seafood options, Revo Foods likewise produces meat options. Simsa sees chances in both. Particularly, that 3D printing will make items more customisable and more diverse.
“There is a substantial interest from huge food manufacturers for “mass customisation”, suggesting the capability to produce little batches of specific items for specific consumer groups, without always resulting in greater production expenses.
“Right now, this is difficult, since all food equipment is developed for huge scale of similar items, however our company believe that with brand-new innovations such as 3D food printing and the amazing brand-new items that can be produced like this, there is a brand-new imaginative impulse for foodstuff designers and the food market as a whole en route. Why not present some insane brand-new shapes and structures or mix of various components which were before just possible in Michelin-star dining establishments, however not as a customer excellent in grocery stores? Our company believe that is a lovely future to work towards.”
The primary advantages of the tech, thinks Simsa, are: its versatility, as it can produce several kinds of items with a single maker; its controllability, having the ability to manage the circulation of products within an item; and imagination, no theoretical limitations on the kind of item that can be produced.
Revo’s items are, instead of being plant-based, mycoprotein-based rather. According to Simsa, this is down to 3 aspects: health, taste, and customer understanding.
“Mycoprotein has a total amino acid profile and a spick-and-span taste. Customers understand about the advantages of fungis and mycoprotein, and so far we had a great customer reception based on this components, and numerous individuals purchasing the item particularly for this factor. We might attain Nutri-Score “A” in our items thanks to the usage of this component,” he informed us.
Financial investment, upscaling and diversity
After the release of its very first item, ‘THE FILET– Inspired by Salmon’, in September in 2015, Revo is growing in self-confidence, and has actually revealed strategies to present digital shares to be purchased by the public.
“We are now establishing whatever for our next action in upscaling: A production plant with a number of lots of output, which we will recognize till summer season 2024 in Vienna, and begin getting in food retail on a significant level,” Simsa informed FoodNavigator.
The business is likewise preparing on broadening from simply easy meat and seafood entire cuts to other items. “While we were specifically concentrated on utilizing our innovation for meat options in the start, we were called by several business over the previous years that have an interest in utilizing this innovation for other item types (e.g. snacks, pasta or packed foods with insane shapes or types or individualized items). Our company believe there is a huge worth in expanding our technological focus and using our production innovation to other food makers too, beginning with completion of 2024.
“This method, we can make sure a brand-new innovative impulse for the alternative meat market, however likewise for the larger food market itself, expanding our use-case likewise as an innovation service provider. Our objective is to end up being the leader in 3D production devices for the food market, which may be a specific niche company at the minute, however one that is bound to end up being really important as the possibilities of this innovation appeared to more manufacturers.”