The Rhodotron® TT1000 will enable BENEBION to expand its services to phytosanitary treatments and medical device sterilization
Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, November 20, 2024 – IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A), the world leader in particle accelerator technology and electron beam and X-ray solutions for industrial irradiation, announced today it has signed a contract with BENEBION, a sterilization service provider, to install a Rhodotron® TT1000 at the new cutting-edge irradiation site in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The facility will function as a service center for phytosanitary treatments and medical device sterilization in the region.
The Rhodotron® TT1000 electron accelerator with X-ray conversion capabilities will contribute to BENEBION establishing a highly productive facility, potentially quadrupling the company's total production capacity. This would expand BENEBION’s position as a global leader in phytosanitary irradiation meeting the growing demand for high-efficiency irradiation services across Mexico and beyond. In addition, IBA and BENEBION will collaborate on research and development to expand the use of X-ray irradiation technology in new applications.
X-ray irradiation has emerged as a superior choice for phytosanitary treatment due to its unique ability to effectively control a wide range of invasive pests without leaving chemical residues. Unlike fumigants or pesticides, X-rays are one of the few treatment options that allow customers to gain market access by quickly meeting regulatory quarantine requirements while only minimally affecting texture, or nutritional value of fresh produce. This non-thermal, residue-free approach meets international safety standards and is considered environmentally friendly compared to fumigation alternatives. Additionally, X-ray irradiation is a fast, reliable treatment that can be tailored to different pest types, making it an increasingly popular option in sustainable agriculture and global trade.
The typical price for a Rhodotron® TT1000 ranges from EUR 8.5 to 11 million depending on the configuration and options. The first payment has been received.
Thomas Servais, President of IBA Industrial Solutions, commented: “This partnership marks a significant advancement in increasing irradiation capacity for Mexico and the surrounding region. By integrating our advanced X-ray irradiation technology, BENEBION is positioned to expand its operations and meet the growing demand for safe, reliable, and residue-free irradiation services across the agricultural and medical sectors. This state-of-the-art solution brings essential, high-scale capacity to the region’s food producers and medical device manufacturers, helping to ensure a steady, safe, and efficient supply chain."
Arved G Deecke, Founder of BENEBION, added: “We have been exploring the Rhodotron® as a potential solution for a long time, and we are thrilled to finally align with market conditions to make this project a reality. We look forward to collaborating with IBA’s world-leading experts to meet the rapidly growing market demand for our services in the region. This solution promises to meet our expectations in terms of efficiency, productivity, and capacity while enhancing the quality of service our customers appreciate through our just-in-time approach.”
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About IBA
IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) is the world leader in particle accelerator technology. The company is the leading supplier of equipment and services in the field of proton therapy, considered to be the most advanced form of radiation therapy available today. IBA is also a leading player in the fields of industrial sterilization, radiopharmaceuticals and dosimetry. The company, based in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, employs approximately 2,000 people worldwide. IBA is a certified B Corporation (B Corp) meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance.
IBA is listed on the pan-European stock exchange EURONEXT (IBA: Reuters IBAB.BR and Bloomberg IBAB.BB).
More information can be found at: www.iba-worldwide.com
About BENEBION
BENEBION specializes in providing just in time irradiation services for fresh produce quarantine, medical device sterilization, and food safety applications. The company currently operates one gamma irradiation facility in the state of San Luis Potosi, Mexico that employs 60 people. With a focus on safety, precision, and compliance, BENEBION is dedicated to advancing irradiation solutions that meet the needs of diverse industries across the region.