LUND, Sweden and EINDHOVEN, the Netherlands (September 10, 2008) - Tetra Pak, the world leader in food processing and packaging solutions, and fluXXion, the Dutch high technology company, today announced that they have signed an exclusive global partnership agreement for the joint-development of an unique microsieve-based microfiltration technology for dairy products such as extended-shelf-life (ESL) milk and cheese products.
Using Tetra Pak's world-class processing systems and fluXXion's award-winning microfiltration technology, the two companies will work together to develop high-capacity microfiltration systems, which will increase processing capacity while maintaining the highest level of product quality for customers. The new microfiltration system, to be integrated in cheese and milk processing systems, will be both space and cost efficient.
At the heart of fluXXion's innovative technology are wafer-stacked microsieves with equal-size pores, which, thanks to a specially designed cross flow system with continued back pulsing, removes unwanted microorganisms from dairy products before pasteurisation.
Sam Strömerstén, President of Tetra Pak Processing Systems said: "As the market leader in food and dairy processing, we constantly evaluate all available new technologies and this new development responds to the needs of our dairy customers by improving process efficiency and maintaining the highest product quality. Tetra Pak has had 25 years experience in membrane filtration technology and we are excited to be working with fluXXion to deliver a new generation of filtration - a first for the industry."
Thijs Bril, CEO of fluXXion, said: "fluXXion's microsieve concept is based on advanced semiconductor technology. Working with Tetra Pak, the world leader in food processing, will enable us to develop this cutting-edge microfiltration technology for the dairy market."
ABOUT TETRA PAK
Tetra Pak is the world's leading food processing and packaging solutions company. Working closely with our customers and suppliers, we provide safe, innovative and environmentally sound products that each day meet the needs of hundreds of millions of people around the world. With over 20,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, we believe in responsible industry leadership and a sustainable approach to business. Our motto, "PROTECTS WHAT'S GOOD,"TM reflects our vision to make food safe and available, everywhere.
More information about Tetra Pak is available at www.tetrapak.com
ABOUT FLUXXION
fluXXion is an Eindhoven, Netherlands-based high technology company applying tried and tested technology from the semiconductor and micro system industries to the design and manufacture of revolutionary new micro filtration products for the bulk and analytical liquid filtration markets. The basic micro machining technology was originally developed by Royal Philips Electronics in the Netherlands, for the manufacture of complex micro structured products.
Awarded Technology Pioneer 2008 by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Schwitzerland, fluXXion is a company, with unique micro sieve know how, experience and an existing equipment portfolio that can be the base for new and/or improved applications of microfiltration across process industries.
More information about fluXXion is available at www.fluxxion.com
MEDIA CONTACTS
Linda Bernier
Director Corporate PR,Tetra Pak
+ 39 348 145 4229
Linda.Bernier@tetrapak.com
Ben Brocades
Director Marketing & Sales, fluXXion
+ 31 62 33 60 475
ben.brocades@fluxxion.com