A food-processing engineer sees significant payback potential in applying the right technology to byproduct recovery efforts
Environmental laws that force food processors to find alternative waste-disposal methods can be blessings in disguise, an example being the dairy segment's discovery of the profit potential of whey protein. Whether it's power generation or a value-added product, byproducts offer tremendous potential for food companies' bottom lines.
Lyle W. Olson, a 30-year veteran in food process and packaging engineering, embarked on a project a decade ago to turn potato processing's least-saleable waste into a value-added commodity. Olson identified a flash dryer more efficient than rotary kiln and other dryers and designed a system around it. Now he is demonstrating the system for some of the potato segment's leading processors and exploring other opportunities for the technology.