Pelleting: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'pellet' comes from the French 'pellete', meaning 'small ball'. It evolved to describe various small, rounded objects.
• In English, 'pellet' has been used since the 14th century to refer to small, rounded forms of food, such as pellets for animals.

Industrial Applications

• Pelleting is crucial in the manufacturing of animal feed, improving nutrition and making it easier to handle.
• In the recycling industry, pelleting helps in converting waste materials into usable raw products for manufacturing.

Science and Technology

• The process involves applying heat and pressure, which can alter the physical properties of materials, enhancing their digestibility.
• Pellets are often used in fuel production, like wood pellets, providing a renewable energy source for heating.

Nutrition

• In human food, pelleting can improve the texture and shelf-life of various products, such as health supplements or meal replacements.
• Some diets use pelletized foods for portion control and convenience, making it easier to consume balanced nutrition.

Environmental Impact

• Pelleting can reduce the volume of waste by condensing materials into less space, which helps in waste management efforts.
• Energy-efficient methods in pelleting also contribute to sustainability, often using less energy compared to traditional processing.