edible oil manufacturers pigging systems

The global olive oil market has been rocked by skyrocketing prices, caused by severe droughts and inflation.

Spain, the world’s largest producer of olive oil, has been hit hardest, with production levels dropping significantly over the past two years due to extreme weather.

As a result, global olive oil supply has reached historic lows, forcing producers and consumers to deal with rising costs.
These challenges have not only made olive oil a more expensive commodity but have also exposed vulnerabilities in the production process.

As the market struggles with supply issues, manufacturers must find ways to become more efficient, reduce waste, and recover as much valuable product as possible.

This is where advanced production technologies, such as pigging, come into play.

Improve Efficiency and Reduce Waste During Processing

Spain’s olive oil output, which accounts for roughly half of the world’s production, has seen major declines due to two consecutive years of poor harvests.

This has led to a 28% drop in production compared to the five-year average. As prices rise, producers and manufacturers are looking for ways to boost efficiency and reduce waste during production to preserve valuable resources.

The financial and environmental cost of waste in olive oil production has never been more apparent. With every drop of oil becoming more precious, efficient production processes are not only crucial for the sustainability of the industry but also for its profitability in a time of scarcity.

This situation highlights the importance of optimising production processes in response to economic challenges and supply constraints.

To navigate these evolving conditions, the olive oil industry will benefit from incorporating innovative technologies that enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

edible oil pigging systems

 

Pigging: An Efficiency Boost for Olive Oil Production

A technology that can significantly improve efficiency is Advanced Liquid Product Recovery (Pigging) Technology.

While pigging technology is widely used across industries such as food, beverage, cosmetics, and paint and coatings, it can be particularly beneficial in the edible and olive oil industry, where every drop of valuable product counts.

Pigging systems allow manufacturers to recover almost all the product left in pipelines, which would otherwise be lost during production transfers or changeovers.

HPS pigging systems, for example, achieve recovery rates of up to 99.5% of residual liquid from full pipelines. This technology offers a practical solution to help olive oil producers, as well as other edible oil producers, mitigate the effects of rising prices and tight supply.

Download our Free Guide to Product Recovery (Pigging) for Edible Oil Manufacturers >>

What is Pigging?

Pigging refers to the advanced technology that uses a specialist projectile known as a “pig”, along with other equipment to recover liquid products from pipelines.

The pig travels through the pipeline (propelled by liquids or gases), pushing out any remaining liquid and leaving the pipeline prepared for the next product run.

The recovered product is then collected or reintroduced into production, ensuring minimal waste.

This technology can be used in a variety of industries, but in olive oil production, where margins are tight and every litre of oil is valuable, it is a must-have for improving product recovery rates, reducing operational costs, and promoting sustainability.

With the increase in demand for olive oil and the shrinking supply, the need for systems that prevent product loss is more crucial than ever.

How Pigging Can Help Olive Oil Manufacturers

MaximiZing Product Recovery

In food industries like olive oil production, where supply is scarce and costs are high, recovering up to 99.5% of the product creates a significant competitive edge.

This high recovery rate means that less product is wasted, and more olive oil is preserved and available for sale or use. As a result, manufacturers can maintain profitability even in the face of fluctuating supply and rising costs.

Reducing waste

Pigging technology drastically reduces waste by reclaiming product that would otherwise be left behind in pipelines.

By minimising product loss during transfers and changeovers, manufacturers can make the most of their limited resources during times of supply shortages and rising prices.

This ensures that every drop of olive oil is accounted for, helping to offset the impact of higher production costs.

In an industry where environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly important, reducing waste also has sustainability benefits.

Manufacturers who adopt pigging technology not only reduce their operational costs but also minimise their environmental footprint, making their operations greener and more responsible.

edible oil manufacturers benefiting from pigging

Preventing Cross-Contamination

In facilities that process different types or grades of olive oil, such as extra virgin and refined olive oil, preventing cross-contamination between products is critical.

Pigging helps ensure that each batch maintains its purity and quality by effectively cleaning pipelines and equipment between production runs. This process not only enhances the final product’s quality but also streamlines operations by reducing the need for extended cleaning procedures.

Speeding up Changeovers

In addition to improving product quality and reducing waste, pigging technology also speeds up changeovers between different production runs.

By minimising the need for extensive pipeline cleaning, pigging enables faster transitions between product batches. This not only increases overall productivity but also reduces downtime, allowing manufacturers to make the most of their resources and stay competitive.

The faster the changeover process, the more efficient the production line becomes. With pigging, manufacturers can switch between different types of olive oil without incurring unnecessary delays, optimising their workflow and maximizing output.

In a high-demand market like olive oil, this efficiency can be the difference between a successful and struggling operation.

The Future of Olive Oil Production and Pigging Technology

As olive oil prices remain high and supply challenges persist, manufacturers must optimize their production processes to remain competitive. Pigging offers a sustainable solution for reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and recovering more valuable product.

This makes it particularly relevant for industries that rely on limited and costly raw materials, like olive oil.

The recent supply challenges in olive oil production highlight the importance of adopting advanced technologies like pigging. As the industry continues to contend with unpredictable market conditions, embracing efficiency and sustainability will be key to long-term survival.

Manufacturers who invest in technologies that maximise recovery and reduce waste will be better positioned to weather future challenges.

maximise product recovery edible oil

Preparing for Uncertain Times

In the face of unpredictable weather patterns and volatile prices, the olive oil industry must be proactive. Technologies like pigging provide a way for manufacturers to ensure that they remain competitive and sustainable in the long term.

By incorporating advanced production solutions such as pigging, olive oil manufacturers can safeguard their operations against the impacts of global supply shortages, mitigate waste, and maximize recovery. These measures are not only crucial for protecting profitability in the short term but will also help manufacturers build resilience for the future.

As the olive oil market continues to face challenges, efficiency, sustainability, and innovation will be at the forefront of successful production strategies. Adopting technologies like pigging can provide manufacturers with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly difficult and competitive landscape.

Contact HPS

Pigging systems deliver a wide range of benefits to companies that process liquids or wet products.

To improve your liquid processing operation, please contact HPS today!

Contact HPS Today