MAF Industries redefines process water

In the demanding world of fresh fruit packing and post-harvest handling, process water has long been considered a cost, an operational necessity rather than a strategic asset.

At MAF Industries, the US office of MAF Roda Group, we see this differently. For us, process water is a resource waiting to be harnessed: an essential ingredient in achieving superior fruit quality, reducing waste and enhancing shelf life.

Across Europe, MAF Roda has set the benchmark in handling and sorting technology, consistently pioneering solutions that elevate the performance and sustainability of the fruit sector. Now, in the US we are building on this legacy to address one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: water safety and treatment.

Chemicals no longer enough

For years, processors have relied on high doses of traditional chemicals – chlorine, peracetic acid and others – to safeguard water quality. But experience and data reveal these methods are no longer sufficient. Despite strict dosing, recalls and non-conformities still occur. Chemical treatments alone cannot fully eliminate the risks of cross-contamination, biofilm development and microbial persistence – risks that directly threaten fruit safety and brand reputation.

At MAF Industries, we have embraced these challenges head-on. Drawing on the rigorous expertise of MAF Roda and the groundbreaking research of our MAF Water Excellence Centre, we have developed an innovative, patented ozone treatment process that redefines water disinfection.

Ozone is a powerful, natural oxidiser, able to eliminate bacteria, viruses, yeasts and moulds without leaving chemical residues or altering fruit taste. But ozone alone is not the answer. It must be applied correctly, with precise engineering to ensure safety, effectiveness and reliability. This is where our team shines.

A comprehensive, tailored solution

Our water treatment specialists and ozone application experts start with a clear, data-driven foundation: a thorough water audit of your operation. We identify every critical point where water can harbour contamination – biofilm-prone zones, high-risk surfaces and hidden reservoirs that traditional treatments miss.

Armed with these insights, we design a tailored ozone treatment plan that aligns seamlessly with your production lines. Our approach stabilises ozone residuals in open basins, ensuring enough contact time to disinfect water and treat fruit surfaces – all while protecting operator safety.

This is not a theoretical promise. It is a proven system that has already transformed operations in Europe and is now operating in Wenatchee, Washington. There, ozone is working not just to sanitise water, but to extend shelf life, reduce operational costs and help processors meet the highest standards of food safety and environmental stewardship.

Our Wenatchee installation stands as a live showcase of what’s possible when ozone is properly integrated into fresh produce lines. It demonstrates:

• how ozone eliminates the need for excessive chemical use, reducing costs and simplifying compliance

• how our engineering ensures consistent ozone residuals, even in open basins

• how this technology contributes directly to product quality, extending shelf life and minimising waste.

Open Days: experience the future on 11-12 June

We believe that seeing is believing. That’s why we’re opening our doors to the fresh produce community on 11-12 for Open Days in Wenatchee, Washington. This event goes beyond discussion — it’s a chance to see our technology in action, meet the experts behind it, and explore how a data-driven water treatment strategy can transform your operations.

What truly sets MAF Industries apart is our commitment to partnership. We are not just providing ozone systems – we are delivering a complete, integrated approach. From water audits and system design to installation, training and ongoing support, we ensure that your investment translates into measurable results.

When you are prepared to move beyond treating process water as a cost centre, it can be transformed into a value-adding resource that elevates your fruit quality and drives your business forward.

At MAF Industries US, we know that water is not just part of your process – it is the future of safe, sustainable and profitable fruit packing.