Both public demand and federal regulations for more sustainable practices have food processors rethinking the way they operate. It’s not an easy task. Products, processes and people all need to change, while food safety needs to remain a top priority. It’s a challenge Kroff Food Services and its strategic partner Xgenex are confronting head-on.

“A good example is the beef industry, where there is a global roundtable establishing new systems and practices to produce truly sustainable beef,” said Jim Byron, CEO of Xgenex, a food safety technology company committed to developing innovative sustainable solutions. “It’s one of many initiatives that will change the food industry as we know it. Together, Xgenex and Kroff Food Services are helping lead the change with chemical solutions that promote food safety and enable social responsibility through green, sustainable and organic-approved technologies.”

Tim Laube, Kroff Food Services general manager, adds that the food industry needs fast, affordable, sustainable solutions now. The importance of social responsibility, the growing influence of social media, and government regulations are driving food companies to look for new and better solutions, which is leading the industry to look for new service providers with fresh thinking.

“The food industry is looking to Kroff Food Services to help them be good stewards of their resources–including water and energy. They also need help responding to the growing demand for environmentally friendly products and practices that meet Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture and international regulatory standards, and are safe and compliant with organic, Kosher, Halal and other special requirements,” said Laube.

Kroff Food Services has solutions for all of these industry requirements through its chemicals, biologics and sanitizers, as well as through its custom technologies. 

Kroff’s intervention technologies enable food producers to confidently control Listeria, Salmonella, Escherichia coli and other bacteria that cause foodborne illness and food spoilage. Its water and energy technologies help conserve energy, reduce water consumption and better manage wastewater, including odor control, waste stream composting and lessening the strain on public infrastructure. Solutions for energy conservation include boiler and water-cooling systems optimization to enhance equipment useful life and reduce energy use.

Positive financial benefits also come from sustainability gains, including product shelf-life extension, reduced food waste, lower water and energy bills, optimized performance and even increased consumer sales. Laube says Kroff customers can save 50 to 60 percent on their water bills alone, sometimes saving up to $1 million per year.

In the end, Byron says companies are recognizing consumer demand and partnering with providers such as Kroff Food Services who can help them successfully navigate complex social, regulatory and financial challenges.

“Consumers are smart and they are demanding more sustainable practices, safer food and more social responsibility. Companies that produce safer, greener products will attract loyal customers and will be better prepared for growth in a continually changing and dynamic marketplace,” said Byron.