Validate your process under realistic conditions

Pilot testing & Process Scale-up

Validate and scale your food ingredient process under realistic conditions. Bodec combines practical trials, flexible pilot facilities and process expertise to turn laboratory concepts into robust, reproducible processes ready for the next scale.

Home What we do Pilot Testing & Process Scale-up

Bridge the gap between laboratory and production

A process that performs well in a beaker or small laboratory setup will not automatically behave the same way at a larger scale. Mixing, heat transfer, residence time, separation, viscosity and drying behaviour can all change. Pilot testing makes these effects visible before significant production or investment decisions are made.

food-grade pilot testing

Bodec’s pilot facilities support the testing and combination of multiple unit operations. Depending on the product and process, this can include mixing, reaction, extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, centrifugation, decanter separation, membrane filtration, evaporation, spray drying, drum drying and agitated thin-film drying.

Additional equipment through our partner network

If a project requires equipment that is not permanently available in our pilot plant, we can source and rent additional equipment through our technology and equipment partners. Subject to technical fit, food-safety requirements, available space, utilities and planning, the equipment can be temporarily integrated into the pilot setup for the required trial.

A structured pilot food process scale-up programme

We begin with a technical intake covering the raw material, existing process, product requirements, food-safety information and desired scale. Based on this information, we prepare a trial plan with objectives, process steps, required quantities, measurements and practical responsibilities.

More than producing a sample

A pilot should provide information for the next decision. During the trial, we monitor critical process conditions and collect relevant samples and observations. This helps assess technical feasibility, product quality, yield, reproducibility, processing time and possible bottlenecks.

Preparing for the next scale

After the trial, results are evaluated against the project objectives. Bodec provides practical conclusions and recommendations for further development, another pilot iteration, first commercial production or transfer to a larger manufacturing environment.

Plan your pilot trial or discuss your project. We will asses feasibility and define the next practical step!

Why pilot and scale with Bodec?

Flexible pilot facilities
Realistic process conditions
Combined process steps
Reliable scale-up data
Clear next-step recommendations

Discuss your project

Frequently asked questions

Can I work with Bodec if I need equipment that Bodec does not have?

Yes. If we do not have specific equipment in-house, we work with our network of technology partners to rent or source the required equipment. Our partner ecosystem allows us to support a wide range of technologies. Our partner ecosystem allows us to support a wide range of processes and equipment types, ensuring that your development can continue without delays. You can find an overview of the equipment we do have available in our toolbox.

Can side stream valorisation processes be scaled to industrial production?

Yes, side stream valorisation processes can often be scaled to industrial production, but this requires careful testing, process development and a realistic view on volumes. At Bodec, customers can first test and produce smaller volumes at pilot scale. These volumes can be used to validate the process, evaluate product quality and explore the market before committing to industrial production. In addition, sufficient and consistent volumes are important to make side stream valorisation economically feasible at industrial scale. The available volume of the side stream, the value of the final product and the processing costs all determine whether the business case is realistic. Bodec helps customers move step by step from pilot testing to industrial production. This reduces technical and commercial risk and gives a clearer view of product quality, production capacity, cost drivers, required volumes and practical feasibility.

How do you ensure a developed process is ready for large-scale production?

A process is ready for large-scale production when it is technically stable, repeatable, safe and economically realistic. At Bodec, we test and validate the key process steps before moving to larger volumes. We look at product quality, yield, processing time, equipment suitability, food safety, cleaning requirements and operational risks. We also help customers understand the practical production conditions: what raw materials are needed, what volumes are realistic, where the bottlenecks are and what the expected cost drivers will be. The goal is not only to prove that the process works, but also to make sure it can be repeated reliably in a real production environment.

Do you work on both food process development and bioprocess development?

Yes, Bodec works on both food process development and bioprocess development, especially where these areas come together. Many innovative food ingredients are developed using biological or fermentation-related processes, but they still need to be processed, separated, concentrated, stabilized or dried before they can be used commercially. Bodec can support customers with the downstream processing and scale-up of these products, helping them to turn biological or food-tech innovations into ingredients that can be produced and applied at industrial scale.

Does Bodec work with customers outside Europe?

Yes, Bodec works with customers from both inside and outside Europe. Many food innovation projects are international by nature. Companies from different countries come to Bodec for process development, pilot production and scale-up support. Our facilities are located in the Netherlands, in the heart of the European food and technology ecosystem, but our customers can be based anywhere in the world. We regularly support international companies that want to develop, test or scale up food ingredients and food processes for the European or global market.

Does Bodec develop its own ingredients or remain independent?

Bodec remains independent. We do not develop our own branded food ingredients that compete with our customers. Our role is to support customers. The product idea, formulation, application and market direction remain with the customer. This independent position allows us to work confidentially with startups, scale-ups, SMEs and larger food companies.

Does Bodec produce commercial volumes

Absolutely, at Bodec, you can also produce large volumes. In addition to small batches for samples, application testing, early sales or investor validation, we can also produce larger volumes for you, all under food-grade conditions. We always start with a test run to ensure we define the optimal production settings for your ingredient. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Cases

How we help our clients create, scale and perfect food ingredient processes

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Curious how Bodec can support your next step? Let’s chat.

Bodec’s specialists are keen to help you with the best solutions: targeted, practical, flexible and fast. Partnering with Bodec means benefiting from extra capacity and the latest facilities, without having to invest in them yourself. Do you want to know what’s possible? Schedule an appointment for a chat. We’d love to show you!

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