A huge amount of food is wasted globally, creating environmental and economic problems. Converting this waste into animal feed is a promising solution, but it’s challenging. Some types of food waste, especially those high in fat or moisture (like fruits, vegetables, or meat scraps), don’t store well, lose nutrients during processing, or clump together, making them hard to handle.
Core
Features of the Invention
This invention is a smart system that prepares food waste for dehydration (drying). It mixes wetter and drier types of food waste and, if needed, adds a light mist of water. It also includes a heating step to kill all harmful pathogens. The key is controlling the moisture and starch levels in the mix to cause a natural process called gelatinisation during drying—this coats each particle, protecting nutrients and improving the texture and shelf life of the end product.
What’s New
and Innovative
Unlike past methods, this approach actually adds water just before drying—something that seems backwards at first. But combined with starch, it causes gelatinisation that forms a protective outer layer on each food particle. This layer helps nutrients survive the drying process and prevents clumping or burning. It also allows more consistent and efficient dehydration, even when the food waste varies in moisture levels.
Tangible Benefits
- Saves more nutrients in the final animal feed
- Prevents clumping and spoilage
- Makes the product easier to store and transport
- Ensures the feed is safe and free from pathogens
- Helps reduce food waste going to landfills
Broader
Impact
This invention offers a scalable, environmentally friendly way to recycle food waste into high-quality animal feed. It supports sustainability, reduces landfill use, cuts costs for feed producers, and contributes to a circular economy by turning waste into a valuable resource.