Objective
Meat processing industry generates an annual turnover of €160.6b in the EU-25, from which 50% corresponds to meat processing SMEs. Over the past years, the demand for sliced cured meat products has steadily grown driven by the higher acceptance of consumers for ready-to-eat products. Despite the growing market demand, operational costs of automated slicing lines are significant. Meat losses represent over 5% of the total costs, and are responsible for wasting tons of meat yearly in Europe. About t10,000 and t3,0000 of meat are annually lost during bacon and ham slicing operations, respectively, with an impact of over €110M.
To a great extent, the variability in meat texture is responsible for these losses. Besides the associated economic and environmental implications, variations in product texture are responsible for frequent line stoppages, and reduced processing throughput.
Based on our patent-pending electromagnetic scanning technology, we aim at developing a non-destructive inspection system to evaluate “in-line” meat texture before slicing. SliceWatch would allow diverting soft or hard pieces from the slicing line, thus preventing line stoppages and minimizing meat losses. This technology shall constitute a breakthrough innovation in the meat processing sector, and shall allow meat producers to reduce manufacturing costs and waste generation. Being a niche market, we estimate the total market value for SliceWatch in Europe in €150M. We expect to generate a NPV of €6M over a 5 years period after starting commercialization (ROI=3.9).
In collaboration with a potential client, we have already assessed the economic and technical feasibility of the project in a production line of sliced cured ham. Through this innovation project we aim at: (1) completing the technical feasibility study, and elaborating a detailed business plan – Phase I; and (2) developing and demonstrating a complete qualified system (TRL8) – Phase II.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.3.2. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.2.3.1. - Mainstreaming SME support, especially through a dedicated instrument
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-SMEInst-2014-2015
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
08020 Barcelona
Spain
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.