Questions for Beverage Evaluation – ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

4. Is lubrication making product quality less smooth?
As processing machines grow more complex and more automated, plants rely on lubrication solutions to keep tracks, conveyors, and gears moving. Despite their functionality benefits, oil and grease lubricants could threaten product quality. In some instances these additives are released through compressed air or drip into beverages as they move down the line. Even with the greatest diligence, lubricant contamination can be difficult for processors to detect in a fast-moving plant workflow.

To eliminate these risks, beverage processors can evaluate opportunities to implement dry lubricant programs or solutions (such as Diversey’s Dicolube Sustain program) rather than traditional, slicker alternatives. Most dry lubricants can be applied in concentrated forms and do not require dilution, which further reduces dripping risks and necessary water use. As a secondary benefit, using less water enhances worker safety by reducing slippery surfaces in the surrounding area.

5. Can we accommodate new products?
Changing consumer tastes have facilitated the introduction of more natural, “clean labeled” beverages into the retail marketplace. While a potentially valuable profit source, expanding production lines to accommodate new ingredients and preservation needs can create logistical challenges. As more low pH products are introduced, and workers must familiarize themselves with new operational guidelines and packaging and sanitation standards, the likelihood of a slip in safety and quality enforcement increases.

For both processors experimenting with new product lines, and those who may face such expansion at a later date, communication will prove critical to ensuring product safety and taste. Consultation with industry partners can identify specific pasteurization procedures, temperature controls, and packaging needs for natural, organic, and specialty products. Likewise, as new products are introduced, plant managers must relay these unique needs to floor workers to make sure that each individual beverage is processed according to standard.

6. How can Best Practices be reinforced?
While audit findings and contamination testing are valuable for successful, safe plant operations, beverage processors’ greatest asset is continued practice reinforcement with employees.

Transparency and discussion around best practices can foster a sense of responsibility among employees and motivate them to contribute to overall plant goals. As audits are completed, plant managers can review findings with their teams to highlight areas to work even more diligently. Encouraging employees to provide their own safety improvement recommendations to ensure the production of high-quality products will not only maintain interest, but also expose managers to previously undetected opportunities.

As more beverages enter the retail marketplace, and suppliers and retailers demand high product volumes at accelerated turnaround, it can be challenging for processors to balance production speed with quality and safety compliance. However, even within a busy plant, beverage processors can benefit from taking a few steps back and evaluating how to make their operations even stronger and more sanitary.

Matteotti is a strategic account executive with Sealed Air’s Food Care division. Reach him at [email protected].