Finding New Levels of Cost-Efficiency in Fish Processing Solutions

Technology in the fish processing sector has taken us a long way, especially in terms of economies of scale and automation. But the next generation of advancements is taking the industry even further in terms of cost efficiency and value realization. As producers begin adopting new standards, the entire landscape is changing where new technology supports value realization at a number of points in the process while locking in higher product quality and enabling more sustainable and profitable practices.

The New Frontier: Conveyance

One of the most effective and exciting developments in value-realization is the way conveyance is being reconceived as a process that can yield far more value — both by making the process itself more efficient and by bringing other concurrent processes into conveyance. Conveyors belts have been standard issue for a very long time, but the nature of conventional conveyor belts is that the product customarily remains exposed to an open environment and the process performs only a single task: conveyance. For delicate products like seafood where time is a key factor in maintaining quality, being able to perform many tasks at once is especially advantageous in terms of cost-savings and quality.

And technology on the market today is already taking advantage of this understanding. ValuePump™ systems from Icelandic processing innovator Skaginn 3X are making remarkable strides in terms of processing value realization and cost efficiency. These systems replace conventional belts and elevators with a closed pipe system where product suspended in a fluid is gently propelled forward by a low-pressure current. And now more than ever, the closed system here is critical as factors like the coronavirus are demanding higher standards of hygiene at processing sites.

Multitasking is Key

But beyond the improvement to conveyance, the most impressive benefit of systems like these is in the possibility it creates for concurrent value-added processes like disinfecting, chilling, washing, bleeding, boiling and soaking products — from a few grams up to whole fish and poultry. Existing installations of the ValuePump™ are being used to wash and convey fish livers, disinfect and convey whole chickens and chill, bleed and convey farmed salmon. And with several processes combined in one system, there are also beneficial synergies to be realized, like saving on space, energy and material resources like water.

These synergies and value-added tasks have the effect of driving costs down while delivering higher product quality, resulting in considerable gains in cost-efficiencies. Combined with other advancements in the industry like increased market demand for frozen product and for more efficient freezing and chilling solutions, systems like the ValuePump™ offer a sustainable option with the ability for flexibility and customization. 

Other emerging technology like SUB-CHILLING™, which creates an ice-free processing environment, increases shelf life and lowers transportation costs by 20%, when coupled with value-added processes like those offered by the ValuePump™, are laying the groundwork for the future of fish processing, with an emphasis on how optimizing quality can also mean with achieving higher sustainability goals and maximizing profits.

About Skaginn 3X

Skaginn 3X is an Icelandic innovator of high-tech processing equipment, with decades of experience in a wide range of solutions for food processors. Its mission is to be a leading company in the design and development of chilling, freezing and food processing solutions. Skaginn 3X has a team of dedicated, long-term employees with training and experience in fisheries, mechanical and electrical fabrication, software and engineering. Skaginn 3X has recently been awarded the President of Iceland Export Award, the Icelandic Innovation Award and several other noteworthy awards in the industry.

Contact Information

Bylgja Pálsdóttir

PR Coordinator

Skaginn 3X

(354) 894 9659

bylgja@skaginn3x.com