"This inauguration is not only an important milestone for our company, but also the beginning of a new chapter for the already established PEF technology," said Dr. Stefan Töpfl, Managing Director of Elea Technology GmbH, at the official opening of the modern company headquarters in Quakenbrück on June 18. Numerous partners, users, and other interested parties joined the Elea team in celebrating the inauguration of the new company headquarters with an integrated innovation center. It became clear that the application potential of this sophisticated technology is far from exhausted. Töpfl: "In the innovation center, we are eager to work with the DIL (German Institute for Food Technology) to develop the next generation of PEF systems."
© Elea GmbHGroup photo of the Elea crew and guests on 18 June
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Starting as a modest start-up, Elea Technology has developed into a global market leader in the application of Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology. This innovative technology uses short, high-voltage electrical pulses to process plant-based foods such as potatoes, vegetables, and fruit in a particularly gentle way. The process works purely with electricity – ideally from renewable energy sources – and enables sustainable food processing. PEF has been proven to reduce water and energy consumption as well as food waste, and does not require the use of any chemicals.
© Hugo Huijbers | HortiDaily.com
Sustainability through technology
"Elea stands for sustainability through technology," emphasized Michael Bürgel, mayor of the Artland municipality. "This building is not just a company headquarters, but a place of the future. It is also a good example of how rural areas are becoming technological hubs," said Peter Vahrenkamp, managing director of WIGOS Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft Osnabrücker Land mbH, in his speech. Lutz Brinkmann, Member of the German Bundestag for the CDU in the Osnabrücker constituency, agreed and described Elea as a "hidden champion". "Elea shows us how research with concrete future goals works in practice and contributes to competitiveness in international markets. We are proud that such a market player is committed to our region and thus to rural areas."
Prof. Dr. Henry Jäger from BOKU Vienna then provided insights into the history and future potential of PEF technology. It emerged that the potential applications of this technology are only just being actively researched in many areas, including the medical sector. After the official welcome, guests had the opportunity to explore the new building on guided tours. The day ended with a dinner in a relaxed atmosphere.
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PEF in practice
The second day of the event was dedicated to the scientific perspective on PEF technology, under the motto "Discover PEF". An introduction by Managing Director Stefan Töpfl was followed by live demonstrations of the technology, including the innovative PiCon project, which uses AI-based acoustic signals for quality control. After lunch, the "PEF R&D and User Panel" with Alica Lammerskitten (Co-CEO at Frudist), Prof. Dr. Roman Buckow (Professor at La Trobe University in Melbourne), and Sveva Cesari (Food Technologist at Elea Technology) provided exciting insights into practical applications of PEF technology.
For more information:
Dr. Stefan Töpfl
© Hugo Huijbers | HortiDaily.com
Elea Technology GmbH
Niedersachsenstraße 5
49610 Quakenbrück
T: +49 5431 9262970
https://www.eleapef.com/