Executive summary
INVERS, located in Saint-Ignat, France, has been dedicated to helping territories produce their own insect proteins for animal feed since 2018. To optimize their mealworm hatchery operations, INVERS collaborated with Utz to develop custom plastic containers. This innovative solution has significantly improved the handling, transportation, and growth conditions of mealworms, enhancing overall efficiency and sustainability.
The client
INVERS is a company focused on producing insect proteins, specifically mealworms, to manufacture animal feed locally. This eco-responsible production model helps reduce Europe's reliance on imported proteins derived from fish and soy, which contribute to ocean depopulation and deforestation.
The challenge
INVERS faced the challenge of designing and manufacturing containers that met detailed guidelines and customer requirements for mealworm rearing and growth. These included specific dimensions, container strength, and the ability to guarantee the necessary air flow for larval rearing. The containers also needed to be capable of stacking up to a height of three meters without shifting and had to be integrated into INVERS's supply chain.
The solution
Utz developed a comprehensive solution by providing two sizes of 800x600mm food contact tubs in different heights. These bins were custom-built to meet INVERS's specific requirements. The innovative features of the bins include a specially designed gripping system for handling two bins simultaneously, a special stacking system to prevent shifting, and a space between stacked bins to ensure proper air flow for larval rearing and growth.
Utz also supplied INVERS with 6,000 1200x800mm plastic pallets, which were directly integrated into their supply chain. These plastic pallets offer cost savings compared to wooden pallets and enable INVERS to produce zero waste by reinjecting them into the production loop.
Key takeaways
- Customizable and efficient: Utz's container solutions are adaptable to specific client needs, helping INVERS meet both operational and logistical goals.
- Strong partnership: The collaboration between INVERS and Utz exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in delivering tailored, high-performance solutions for the food industry.
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