Why Planeteq integrates Zemic load cells in their Bio-Digester; their solution to the food waste problem

Food waste is a global problem, that has significant economic and environmental impacts. It is estimated that one-third of all food produced ends up in landfill. When food waste is collected and transported to a landfill or other processing site harmful CO2 and methane emissions are released. The EU has set a target of halving world food waste by 2030. Planeteq is an UK company that develops sustainable waste management solutions. They developed the Bio-Digester, which is used to dispose of food waste on site.

Food waste digestion on site is much better and simpler than sending food waste to landfill. It delivers environmental, financial and social benefits, because it reduces landfill and trucks to move it. The Bio-digester technology helps turn food waste into renewable energy, fertilizer and water and thus contributes to a transition to a circular economy. Bio-Digesters are a new, cutting edge technology that is rapidly growing in popularity with businesses and local authorities. Through innovative, data-driven technology, Planeteq helps businesses to track and reduce food waste volume and its associated cost of onward transportation and disposal.

At Zemic we focus on creating value for our customers to help them to differentiate themselves in their market. We are happy to be able to contribute to this innovation which is good for business and good for the earth.

Zemic Europe & Planeteq

• Load cells integrated in on-site Bio-Digesters
• Food waste management solution
• Sustainable innovation
• High quality load cells, in stock in Europe
• Environmental, financial and social benefits

How Zemic Europe advised Planeteq

Weighing is used in the Bio-Digester to monitor the food waste. Planeteq needs this information because their customers pay by weight of the deposited waste. Therefore Planeteq was looking for the most suitable load cells and they contacted Zemic Europe. Our H8C shear beam load cell is a well suited load cell for this innovation.

Important reasons for Planeteq to choose the Zemic H8C load cell were: 

• A high quality load cell for a good price 
• The correct OIML-approvals 
• High accuracy and reliability
• Stock in Europe; so fast delivery to their plant in Europe 
• Short communication lines and good cooperation

For each food waste digester 4 load cells are needed; they are built into each corner of the machine. This enables the content to be weighed accurately and the information will be recorded for billing purposes. Of course, it also provides users with insight into their company's consumption.

Which load cell is most suitable? The H8C shearbeam load cell

The H8C has been selected as the best fitting component. This load cell has the following characteristics: 

• Nickel plated alloy steel IP67 shear beam load cell 
• OIML approved
• High accuracy 
• High reliability
• Current calibrated (sc-option) 
• Competitive price/quality ratio

In addition to our H8C load cell, Planeteq also uses our HJ-8-201 foot. This is a height adjustable foot from nickel plated alloy steel, which ensures easy installation and more stability of the load cell.

More about the Bio-Digester

Planeteq shows ways to reduce food waste in the first place. But since we are not able to prevent all food waste, they developed a better way to process food waste.

The food waste digesters enable people to dispose of food waste on site, for example in restaurants, hotels and food manufacturing businesses. They can process anywhere from 12 to 1000 kilograms of food per day. The machine processes up to 250 kg per day. However, as the system is modular we can daisy chain up to 4 machines, providing capacity for 1000kg.

How does a food digester work? Bio-Digesters use micro-organisms to break down food into wastewater that is filtered, and then simply flushed away using your existing plumbing infrastructure. It is installed on-site and works quietly behind the scenes, consuming food waste which would otherwise need to be transported to a landfill or food waste processing plant. (See the process overview below)

Some characteristics of the digester; they are compact, have low energy use and are easy to operate. Planeteq provides handy containers for food waste that can be emptied into the machine. The system also eliminates odours and discourage pests.

Intelligent food waste digesters, like those provided by Planeteq, also offer comprehensive reporting and analytics. This provides more insights into the company's consumption and helps in making decisions on how to further reduce food waste and costs

More and more consumers are concerned about climate change and sustainability. By adopting more sustainable practices, companies like restaurants can attract new customers while decreasing their environmental impact.

In summary, we can say that using the Bio-Digester provides the following benefits:

• Reduced waste management costs. 
• Food waste conveniently processed on-site 
• Diverts waste away from incineration and landfill
• No cost or emissions from transportation 
• Hygienic solution for commercial kitchens 
• No odours, normally associated with food waste
• Low energy consumption as uses micro-organisms 
• Easy to use
• More insights into the company's food waste volumes and reduce costs through better purchasing practices.
• Do more for the environment. Attract more customers.

Your weighing expert is ready to help you

For all your questions about the integration of (custom-made) force sensors, load cells or miniature sensors, please feel free to contact our weighing expert:

https://www.zemiceurope.com/en/contacts