Reliable X-ray inspection for complex protein powder packaging

Ensuring food safety for vegetable protein powder in complex multi-component containers posed a particular challenge, as different packaging materials, varying product densities and metallic components make it difficult to reliably detect foreign bodies. The solution was provided by the Dylight S X-ray inspection system from Minebea Intec.

Project goal and implementation

For MartinoRossi S.p.A., food production has always been about more than efficiency. As an established manufacturer of high-quality food ingredients, the company places great value on consumer trust, brand reputation and consistently high product standards. Every new product and every new production line must live up to these expectations. Driven by growing market demand, MartinoRossi S.p.A. planned the introduction of a new production line for vegetable protein powder – a strategic step designed to strengthen the company’s portfolio while safeguarding product quality from the very first batch.

A new production line – and new challenges

The new products are packaged in cardboard drums with an internal metal moisture barrier. Both the lid and the base are sealed with metal closures, and an additional plastic cap is applied. While this packaging concept reliably protects the product, it also creates demanding conditions for inspection. Mixed packaging materials, varying product densities caused by different flavours and the limited space available for inspection required a solution capable of delivering reliable results under complex conditions – without slowing down production or compromising throughput.

Food safety as a regulatory and strategic responsibility

In parallel, the regulatory environment for food manufacturers continues to tighten. Across the European Union – and consistently enforced at national level in Italy – food safety regulations place clear responsibility on manufacturers to implement preventive measures before a new production line goes into operation. Companies must comply with the general principles of food law defined in Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, as well as the HACCP-based hygiene requirements of Regulation (EC) No 852/2004. In practice, this means that reliable inspection technologies for detecting physical contaminants are no longer optional – they are a fundamental requirement of modern food production. Beyond compliance, effective inspection also plays a crucial role in protecting brand reputation, avoiding costly product recalls, reducing product losses and preventing unnecessary environmental impact.

The right technology for complex inspection tasks

To meet these technical, regulatory and strategic requirements, MartinoRossi S.p.A. decided in favour of the X-ray inspection system Dylight S from Minebea Intec. The system’s compact design – with a total machine length of just 1.8 m, significantly shorter than comparable sideshooter systems – made it ideally suited for the limited installation space. At the same time, its high detection sensitivity and advanced image analysis technology ensure stable and precise inspection performance, even with complex products and challenging packaging combinations. Foreign bodies such as metal fragments or other dense contaminants are reliably detected and affected products are automatically ejected. This keeps the production flow stable while maintaining throughput and product integrity without compromise.

Confidence from day one

Since commissioning, which was accompanied by Minebea Intec, the Dylight S X-ray inspection system has become an integral part of MartinoRossi S.p.A.’s food safety management. The solution supports reliable production processes and helps ensure long-term consumer confidence in the brand. This project once again demonstrates how Minebea Intec’s inspection solutions contribute to quality, safety and efficiency in modern food production – even under the most demanding conditions.

“Our customer is very satisfied thanks to the precise detection performance, compact design and the high-quality service we have provided. When the performance of the system is convincing, the results speak for themselves. This is exactly what Minebea Intec has always done.”
Stefano Canegrati, Area Sales Manager, Minebea Intec

INFOBOX

Key facts
The customer recently commissioned a new production line for vegetable powder in complex packaging materials. To maximise product safety, he decided for the Dylight S X-ray inspection system from Minebea Intec.

Application & products
The Dylight S is installed at the end of the line and has an integrated conveyor belt and an automatic ejection system. While all packaged products pass through the inspection area, only products with detected deviations are removed from the production flow.

• X-ray inspection system Dylight S
  

Kundennutzen

• Precise and reliable inspection thanks to maximum detection sensitivity
• Optimised use of production space thanks to compact, space-saving design
• Intelligent complexity reduction during operation thanks to machine learning software
• Guided product setup for fast and safe commissioning
  

The customer
The customer is MartinoRossi S.p.A., an established food innovation company based in Cremona, Italy. The company has a strong presence across Europe and beyond and is known for its commitment to clean label, allergen-free and plant-based ingredients. Whether gluten-free flours, functional ingredients or ready-to-eat plant-based meals, MartinoRossi delivers products of high quality, tailored to the changing needs of modern consumers and food manufacturers.