Textiles industry plays its part in cheese production

A new process for ripening cheese is on the cusp of being put into practice. A total of three textiles companies and 13 dairies are joining forces to realize this project. As detailed in a press release, the Federal Competence Center for Agricultural Research, Agroscope, has so far coordinated efforts aimed at resolving scientific issues, as it had also applied for a patent for the process that was granted by the European Patent Office in 2023. In this process, cheeses are placed into a salt bath, before being removed and wrapped in biodegradable textiles. Bacteria produce a microflora on the surface of the cheese that bonds with the textile. At the end of the ripening process, the textile strips can be removed. Part of the microflora remains on the surface of the ripened cheese and forms a typical orange-brown rind, as the press release explains.

One of the challenges was to design the textiles in such a way that ensures both that the microflora develop well and that the cheese matures properly. Compared with traditional washed-rind process, the new technique is less complex. In addition, cheeses ripened using the textile method possess a finer rind and lose less water, producing an intense aroma and softer texture, according to the press release.

In terms of the upcoming practical implementation of this technique, the companies involved intend to lead the way as the focus now shifts to economic issues. The three textiles companies involved are Swisstulle AG and ISA Sallmann AG from Münchwilen and Amriswil respectively, both of which are in the canton of Thurgau, and E. Schellenberg Textildruck AG based in Fehraltorf in the canton of Zurich. Among the total of 13 dairies, both large and small, contributing to the project are Tilsiter Switzerland from Märstetten in the canton of Thurgau as well as Seiler Käse based in Giswil in the canton of Obwalden, among others. These companies have now formed a steering group headed up by Urs Schellenberg, owner and managing director of E. Schellenberg Textildruck AG. “Our aim is to introduce the process step by step, thereby ensuring process reliability - both for the textiles and for the cheese”, comments Urs Schellenberg. ce/ww