Irradiation Solutions Inc. (ISI), a subsidiary of listed firm A Brown Co., said Thursday its P700-million electron beam or e-beam and cold storage facility in Tanay, Rizal will start commercial operations in March.
ISI president Paul Juat said in a statement he is optimistic the project would start operations in March despite delays in its completion due to weather and supply chain disruptions.
He said the soon-to-open facility, primarily designed to store food products and medical devices, is now in the equipment installation and commissioning phase.
Once operational, it will have the capacity to handle 20,000 tons annually.
“Our team’s resilience has kept us on track. We are confident that the completion of this project will significantly improve the Philippines’ export capabilities. This is significant for the Philippine fruit and fisheries sector, which faces challenges in adhering to stringent international standards of product quality and safety,” said Juat.
The facility, originally scheduled to open in September 2023, will use e-beam linear accelerator to sterilize single-use medical devices like surgical gloves, masks and syringes. It will also be used to reduce the microbial load of food products like herbs, spices and frozen seafood, among others.
This will be the country’s first e-beam and cold storage facility.
The e-beam technology is a cost-effective and safe method for treating goods. It is recognized for its environmental friendliness, leaving no chemical residues and is scientifically proven effective in decontaminating food and sterilizing medical equipment.
The technology ensures high product throughput and stands as a sustainable alternative to traditional heat and chemical treatments.
“We’re looking forward to the operational phase of our facility. Our goal is to empower local businesses, helping them reach international markets more effectively. This facility is not just an investment in technology; it’s an investment in the Philippine economy and its people,” A Brown chairman Walter Brown said.