GTF Technologies - 2024 Manufacturing Innovation Excellence
This article appeared in the October 2025 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.
Elimination of waste is a key goal for any manufacturer, as it eats into efficiency, reduces profits and delays customer satisfaction. In one particular food manufacturer’s case, 20 million pounds of broccoli stems are discarded every year, and the company spends about $500,000 to dispose of them.
If discarded foods such as these stems could be turned into powders instead, it could mean money saved, the potential for additional revenue streams, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the possibility of using the powders for nourishment for those in need. That’s the groundbreaking concept behind GTF Technologies’ RENUTM system, which dries and micronizes food waste, excess foods or irregular foods within seconds.
But GTF’s work and mission also have a deeper message: that of hope.
“Because of what we’re trying to develop, there’s actually hope of rescuing food,” says Gary Schuler, Founder and President of GTF. “There’s hope that we can keep food out of the landfills, so that’s going to help our environment. But also for those who don’t have food, who go to bed hungry, there’s hope. We’re trying to bring hope, not only for the farmer, for us and the local community, but also for those less fortunate.”
GTF earned the 2024 Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award for its bold, transformative vision behind RENUTM. And the Ada-based company isn’t stopping there; they have been delving into using it to develop biodegradable packaging as well.
The RENUTM System
The RENUTM Drying and Milling System, which can be integrated into the production line at food and beverage manufacturing facilities, is unique in the industry for several reasons. Whereas other systems can dry or micronize food products, RENUTM does both simultaneously — and does so within seconds. RENUTM also preserves more of the color, aroma and nutritional value of the original products and operates without the need for natural gas.
The powders can then be used in beverages, food ingredients for humans or pets, and as colorants, flavorings and vitamin supplements. The manufacturers can sell the powder as an additional revenue stream, or they can use it to help nourish underprivileged communities around the world.
Schuler says up to 50 percent of all fruits and vegetables grown worldwide go to waste due to spoilage or excess, while almost 800 million people are food insecure.
“If we can stop the rot, we feel that we could help the environment, help businesses make more money and help them save money on their drying process,” Schuler says, “but, boy, if we could also help feed those people who don’t have enough food, that’s the purpose and the mission of our business.”
Director of Engineering Jay Fournier says their ability to give to those in need is what inspires him most. In fact, GTF also has a nonprofit division, Gleaning the Fields, that is dedicated to this mission and vision.
The Next Phase
Over the years, GTF has continued to optimize the RENUTM system for manufacturers.
“From a technology standpoint, we’re never going to settle,” Fournier says. “I believe that’s how you can actually get run over, in a sense, in business. In this day and age, technology is moving so quickly, and we have to innovate.”
Advancements include additional sustainable applications for the powders in order to reduce the use of petroleum-based plastics and virgin wood for packaging. In fact, Schuler says, the company has made disposable forks and knives using lemon peels, as well as shrink-wrap film using brewer’s spent grain.
“We are constantly developing our technology system and creating new processes,” says Process and Sustainability Coordinator Madison Hoffman. “We allow input from all parts of our team. I think that’s really beneficial because then everyone can have a fresh set of eyes on things, and we can problem-solve all together.”
GTF Technologies is a compassionate, forward-thinking company that continues to develop new applications for its innovative RENUTM System. The company’s positive impact on the environment, the underprivileged and manufacturing production through sustainable solutions is worthy of recognition.
The Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award is part of the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards which celebrates the leaders and products that are pushing the industry forward. Learn more about the awards program and gala.
The 2024 Manufacturing Innovation Excellence Award was sponsored by GrayMatter. Visit online: graymattersystems.com.