MacLab has signed an agreement with Cuddons to retrofit an existing Cuddons freeze dryer into the innovative “eco” version.

MacLab and Cuddons have a longstanding business relationship, with MacLab owning eight Cuddons dryers, making it one of the largest freeze dryer operations in New Zealand. Cuddons has successfully developed a freeze dryer with a low carbon footprint and designed a process to convert existing freeze dryers to this eco-friendly version.

A key improvement is the use of CO2 as the refrigerant gas, which lowers the Global Warming Potential (GWP) by a factor of 4000. Additionally, multiple energy-saving initiatives, including heat recovery and recycling, along with an upgraded smart control system, significantly reduce the power consumption of the traditionally energy-intensive drying process.

Beyond the environmental benefits, these upgraded dryers increase output of around 20%. MacLab is financing this green initiative through a green loan provided by BNZ.

Following the successful deployment and operation of the retrofit eco dryer, we plan to convert the remaining dryers to the eco version, further cementing our commitment to sustainability and innovation.