Praxair's New CO2 Technology Can Double the Shelf Life of Many Dairy Products
OAK BROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 1997--Praxair, Inc. (NYSE:PX), a global supplier of industrial gases, today announced the introduction of a new technology that uses carbon dioxide to extend the shelf life of several dairy products by 100 to 200 percent.
Utilizing a carbon dioxide injection process that maintains the freshness, consistency, and taste of dairy products over longer periods of time, Praxair's technology provides significant savings to major dairy processors. The technology also offers logistical economies as food processors can ship their products over longer distances giving them access to a wider range of markets and retailers.
``We expect Praxair's process to safely double shelf life, cutting processors' costs and enabling them to extend their geographic marketing reach through expanded distribution channels,'' said David Carroll, general manager of Praxair's food segment. ``The process provides an effective alternative to upgrades of costly packaging and processing equipment and may be useful in reducing the need for artificial preservatives.''
Praxair has identified the dairy industry, which exceeded $70 billion in sales in 1995 according to the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board, as a key growth market for the technology and related gases. This technology is already commercialized for cottage cheese and ice cream mix. By injecting carbon dioxide into cottage cheese and other dairy products during processing, Praxair's application restricts the growth of microbes, reduces the physical separation of dairy components and inhibits spoilage, while protecting the taste and texture of the product.
Praxair's process was commercialized by a team at the company's Chicago-based food technology center. Food scientists and engineers will be available to provide customers with on-site product evaluations, testing, installation design and start-up support.
Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 1996 sales of $4.4 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair is a recognized leader in the commercialization of new technologies that bring productivity and environmental benefits to a diverse group of industries.
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