Yili Pilots Xampla Tech to Improve Cold Chain Resilience

Yili, a global 2000 business and Asia’s largest dairy company, has embarked on its latest technological collaboration. 

It is piloting new microscopic natural polymer capsules from Xampla to ensure optimal delivery of vitamins and nutrients, at every stage of the supply chain from production to digestion, by eliminating the risk of product degradation by UV, pH or heat shock. 

The technology builds on 15 years of protein research from the University of Cambridge. 

Revolutionary cold chain technology

The pilot harnesses Xampla’s world-leading technology, testing its microscopic natural polymer capsules for fortifying vitamins and nutrients in a new range of products.

The plant material protects ingredients in the products without changing the product taste or texture, using technology which guards against degradation risks throughout the cold chain. 

If successful, the technology could revolutionise global cold chains and bring healthy food products to consumers more consistently, regardless of environmental conditions.

“Having the support of this leading global dairy brand has further strengthened our position as leaders in food and beverage fortification technology," says Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla. 

"We look forward to seeing our ground-breaking, world-first microencapsulation technology make its way from the laboratory to a market of health and environment-conscious consumers.”

Xampla's other innovation partnerships include leading brands such as 2M Group of Companies, Britvic, Gousto and ELEMIS skincare. 

It creates range of innovative materials with a wide range of applications including sustainability efforts such as replacing plastic films, microcapsules and coatings. 

This technology is now being applied to the supply chain, to create scalable and reliable material solutions. 

Yili takes the lead on cold chain resilience

According to Grand View Research, a trusted research partner for the likes of Siemens, the global cold chain industry is expected to reach a projected revenue of US$892.2bn by 2030.

This reflects an annual growth rate of 18.6% from 2024 to 2030.

Key factors contributing to this expansion of the cold chain market include technological innovations such as this pilot, ranging from packaging, processing and storage. 

Meanwhile, over two billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, a "hidden hunger" according to the World Health Organisation. 

The term reflects a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, significantly impacting health. 

The partnership therefore comes at a promising time, harnessing Yili's global network as a household name for milk, infant nutrition, yoghurt, ice cream, cheese, plant-based beverages, water and more, to enhance global nutrition. 

The international company prioritises new technological innovation in its partnerships and frequently collaborates with universities, institutes, start-ups and suppliers.

This pilot will add to Yili's extensive portfolio of innovation and sustainability initiatives across the food and agricultural sectors; it is supported by partnerships from the University of Cambridge IfM, Centre for Business Innovation (CfBI), StartLife, International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) Europe and more.

The collaboration will accelerate the deployment of Xampla’s nutrient microcapsules to global markets, introducing advanced fortification technology to global cold chains.

“We are excited to start this pilot collaboration with Xampla," says Gerrit Smit, Managing Director of Yili Innovation Centre Europe. 

"Yili always strives to bring next-generation products with enhanced nutrition and health to consumers."

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