P&P Optica: An investment in food quality, safety and waste reduction
P&P Optica is a Waterloo-based firm that uses hyperspectral imaging and machine learning to assess food composition and quality; thereby, improving the overall Canadian food supply and reducing waste in our landfills.
In 2018, EDC announced a $1-million investment in P&P Optica, recognizing the merits of its unique technology. The company’s patented Smart Imaging System is installed in food processing plants and uses imaging technology and artificial intelligence to read the chemistry of food. This allows processors to assess quality characteristics such as protein, fat and water content; shelf life; and flavour. The technology can even detect tiny unwanted objects such as plastics, rubber and bone in food while it’s moving along the conveyor belt at line speed—a feature that has not previously been possible for food processors and which significantly enhances food safety.
“Improving food quality and safety is extremely important to us, as is reducing the environmental footprint that comes with food waste. EDC’s investment will help us further develop our technology and expand into the U.S. and other markets,” says Olga Pawluczyk, CEO, P&P Optica. “In turn, this will ensure that food processors can assess and respond to risks in the quality and safety of their food more quickly and effectively than ever before.”
