SITRA develops a technological solution that increases water purity for the manufacture of infant food

Innovation within the baby food sector is experiencing a boom, driven by increasingly stringent quality standards that encompass everything from raw materials to the point of sale, including the production process. One of its objectives is the reduction of chlorine in the water used to manufacture infant formula. This is a complex and costly measure, but essential. In this context, ZITHER, a company specializing in the technological transformation of the water cycle for industry, has developed a novel system, a pioneer in Spain, that increases the purity of water by adjusting the levels of these salts to those set by the recent EU regulations.

This innovative method, which has already been tested with excellent results, involves trapping potential chlorate levels using a resin. Specifically, it uses an ion exchange resin method that, by removing a greater volume of this chemical compound, increases water purity, bringing it into compliance with regulations.

Furthermore, instead of requiring monthly replacement, this resin regenerates itself through a brine cleaning process, extending its lifespan. It can be used continuously for at least six months, a period during which the chlorates are successfully retained. This process represents a key added value in terms of efficiency, simplifying the work for producers.

From this point on, and just as in the standard process, once the water is properly treated, it can be used to produce food for infants and young children such as baby food or follow-on milk, guaranteeing maximum quality.

A guarantee of compliance with quality standards

The recently adopted European Union Regulation 2023/915 sets the maximum limit for this chemical compound in water used in the manufacture of infant formula at 0,01 mg/L, establishing a very ambitious and difficult-to-implement standard. Therefore, this solution developed by SITRA marks a turning point in the application of the European regulatory framework.

In this regard, Ricardo Sáez, general manager of ZITHER It asserts that it is "a key alternative in the search for high-quality products, linking innovation and technology with the health care of the youngest consumers."