Inside the lab

How Sormac helps processors protect leafy greens quality

Leafy greens like rocket, spinach and baby leaf aren’t just tasty - they’re nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre. As consumers increasingly seek healthy yet convenient plant-based options, the demand for packaged, pre-washed mixed salads and ready-to-eat greens is booming worldwide.

1 July 2025 min Reading time

But here’s the challenge: leafy greens are delicate. During processing, they’re prone to mechanical damage and microbial contamination, that can seriously affect quality, safety, and shelf life. So how can producers keep these delicate vegetables fresh and safe from field to fork?

That’s where Sormac comes in.

Decades of expertise in leafy greens processing

Since the 1990s, Sormac has been a trusted name in vegetable processing technology. Their precision-engineered equipment is specially designed to handle delicate leafy greens on an industrial scale—helping processors tackle the unique challenges of mixing, washing, drying of these sensitive products including third-party equipment integration.

The Microbiological Lab: A unique industry resource

In 2015, Sormac further strengthened its expertise by launching an in-house Microbiological Lab. This facility supports both customers and Sormac’s own R&D and engineering teams in areas like hygiene, product integrity, and processing efficiency.

The lab provides vegetable processors with valuable insights into their production lines. By carefully analyzing samples from critical points in the process, Sormac helps identify exactly where and how damage occurs—and offers practical advice on how to prevent it.

Why even minor damage matters

It might surprise you how small abrasions or bruises can have a big impact. Damage to the leaf’s protective surface can disrupt the natural microbial ecosystem, making greens more vulnerable to spoilage and harmful pathogens—especially when temperature and humidity fluctuate during processing or storage.

Gentle handling for better results

To protect leafy greens, Sormac’s machines focus on gentle, intelligent handling at every step. Their PULSTAR washers use low-turbulence water flow and customizable wash cycles to clean thoroughly without stressing the leaves. Plus, the Sormac air-drying tunnels LDT are specifically designed to gently dry delicate leafy vegetables while preserving product quality. Inside the tunnel, a regulated upward airflow causes the product to float, achieving surface moisture levels below 1%.

A partner in quality from field to fork

“Our mission is to enable processors to deliver the best possible product to the consumer,” says Marianne. “That means more than just efficiency—it means protecting the nutritional value, food safety, and appearance of every single leaf.”

Today, Sormac supports leading salad producers, fresh-cut processors, and foodservice suppliers worldwide with innovative equipment, deep industry knowledge, and expert advice. Leveraging the insights and resources of their Microbiological Lab, Sormac’s specialists also offer on-site audits and tailored support—helping customers optimize processes and improve product quality across their entire production lines.

If you want to learn more about how Sormac can help your leafy greens processing operation, get in touch with their experts today.

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