More than ever before, minimizing food waste is an important goal for many families and businesses. Food waste causes major economic strain for many families, and also has a major impact on the environment. According to the FDA, up to 40% of our annual food supply will go to waste despite preventive measures.
One of the best ways to prevent food waste is through the use of activated carbon. Activated carbon is carbon that has been processed to make it more porous. Porous substances are great for chemical absorption and filtering, which is why activated carbon is used for many modern filter systems. In fact, activated carbon is very useful for preventing food waste!
How does Activated Carbon Reduce Food Waste?
According to FoodPrint, most of the reasons behind food waste are preventable. Spoilage due to a lack of proper storage, improper food preparation, and disliking how food tastes are just a few common reasons why food gets thrown away rather than eaten.
Activated carbon is very effective at absorbing harmful substances and pollutants. As such, it can act as a natural filter that protects foods and beverages, and work in tandem with other chemicals that improves food quality. As such, activated carbon is great for counteracting the main sources of food waste.
Two primary ways activated carbon reduces food waste includes:
- Improved flavor and odor. Glycerin, citric acid, and other natural food chemicals can ruin the flavors and odors that food produces when ingredients are combined together. Activated carbon counteracts odors and unnatural colors to produce more appetizing food that consumers will be less likely to throw away.
- Purify sweeteners. Sugars and sweeteners make food more appetizing, but they contain compounds that can harm the texture and appearance of the foods they’re meant to improve. The absorptive nature of activated carbon balances out sweeteners to allow for tastier food while maintaining the look and feel of the product.
Can Activated Carbon Also Reduce Liquid Waste?
Yes! Activated carbon can reduce solid food and liquid beverage waste alike. The two primary ways activated carbon reduces liquid waste is by:
- Edible oils. Bleaching is generally used to remove harmful chemicals in crude nut and vegetable oils. However, the bleach ruins the oil color, and leaves behind other chemicals unsafe for consumption. Activated carbon counters the harmful effects that come with bleaching to produce oil that is tastier and safer for consumption.
- Beverage color correction. Modern filtration systems often ruin the look and taste of fruit juices and distilled spirits that require treatment. Activated carbon purification corrects the harm caused by filtration. Fruit juice will look more natural, while alcoholic beverages will retain the specific tastes that customers look forward to when they drink.
Consider Activated Carbon from Puragen to Minimize Food Waste
If you’re looking to minimize food waste for your company or family, we highly suggest using Puragen for your activated carbon needs. For the last 15 years, Puragen has been making great activated carbon filters and treatment systems across a wide range of industries, including food and beverages. In the activated carbon industry, Puragen is one of the most trustworthy names.
If you want to reduce your food waste, and have a positive impact on the environment, we highly recommend considering activated carbon solutions.