In the world of food and product manufacturing, the companies must continually adapt to stay at the forefront. That’s why CEAMSA, located in O Porriño, Spain, since its establishment in 1966, has dedicated itself to the production, development, and global distribution of natural hydrocolloids. The company has made a name for itself as a specialist in carrageenan, pectin, fibre, alginate, and refined locust bean gum, all of which boast unique stabilising, gel-forming, thickening, and texturizing properties.
The Journey of Innovation
For nearly six decades, CEAMSA has been committed to continuous innovation across its products, processes, and solutions, making it a market leader in research and development (R&D). As a global pioneer in carrageenan production, CEAMSA extracts this natural gelling agent from red seaweed, catering to diverse industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The company operates production plants in Spain and the Philippines, leveraging self-developed technologies to meet the evolving demands of a global market.
Embracing Digital Twins for Enhanced Efficiency
In a bid to further enhance its operational efficiency and product quality, CEAMSA has recently deployed a digital twin for its pectin manufacturing process. This cutting-edge technology addresses the inherent variability of natural raw materials and combines it with expert process knowledge to optimise decision-making. The primary goal of the digital twin is to improve process performance, quality, and sustainability, ultimately reducing the time it takes to make crucial decisions.
Achievements and Improvements
During the analysis phase, CEAMSA successfully implemented several improvements based on their findings. The digital twin technology allows them to run simulations that optimise the processing of raw materials, leading to significant enhancements in efficiency, product quality, and energy usage.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Sustainability
The company goal is to apply the insights gained from this project to other phases of the process and across various production lines, thereby enhancing the overall sustainability of the production facility.
CEAMSA is certain that this project has highlighted the significance of digital twins in the Industry 4.0 strategic plan, serving as a foundational technology that boosts both efficiency and sustainability within the organisation.