GEA Group — Pioneering Sustainable Process Technology for the Sugar Industry
At ISSCT Congress 2025, GEA Group—a global leader in food and beverage engineering—showcased state-of-the-art solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and product quality within sugarcane industries. With roots going back to 1881 and a €5.2 billion footprint in 2022, GEA empowers sugar producers with technologies for process optimization and decarbonization.
Key Innovations for the Sugar Value Chain
- High-Temperature Industrial Heat Pumps
GEA installed a cutting-edge system at the Belgian sugar refinery Tiense Suiker (part of Südzucker Group), converting industrial waste-heat (75–92 °C steam) into usable steam at 135–160 °C using natural refrigerants like pentane. This system delivers ~4 MW output and cuts CO₂ emissions by 3,000–3,500 tons per year—highlighting real impact in sugar decarbonization. - Sugar Dissolving Systems (DISUGAR Series)
GEA’s DISUGAR-H, C, and T systems provide fully automated batch or continuous sugar dissolution with fine water dosing, Brix control, CIP cleaning, and pasteurization options—optimized for beverage and syrup preparation with exceptional accuracy and energy efficiency. - Sugar Reduction Innovation Centre (with Better Juice)
In collaboration with Israeli start-up Better Juice, GEA established a pilot innovation center in Ahaus, Germany. Equipped with an enzymatic sugar converter skid, the center allows manufacturers to reduce sugar in juice and purees by up to 80%—retaining flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
- Advanced Biomass-Driven Sugar Extraction
GEA supported Estonian firm Fibenol with the Sunburst® biomass process, enabling >95% sugar extraction from hardwood biomass. This sustainable technology maximizes value from renewable resources while minimizing environmental impact.
Why GEA Matters to the Cane Sugar Industry
| Innovation | Benefit to Sugar Mills & Refineries |
|---|---|
| High-temp heat pumps | Cuts fossil energy use, enables cogeneration |
| DISUGAR systems | Enhances syrup prep accuracy & energy efficiency |
| Sugar reduction via Better Juice | Lowers sugar to meet health/regulatory targets |
| Biorefinery integration | Boosts bio-based revenue—beyond traditional sugar |
About GEA Group
Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, GEA Group AG is a public company listed on MDAX and STOXX® Europe 600, employing over 18,000 across 40+ countries. The company leads in sectors ranging from dairy and beverage to bioprocessing and energy systems.
Contact GEA for Sugar Industry Solutions
GEA Group AG
Peter-Müller-Straße 12
40468 Düsseldorf, Germany
Website: gea.com
For tailored inquiries—be it sugarhouse energy upgrades, dissolving systems, or biorefinery solutions—GEA offers local expert support through its global network.
