This video is a malicious deepfake and has no connection whatsoever with Katoen Natie, our CEO, or any member of our management team. We want to be absolutely clear: • Katoen Natie does not provide investment advice and we never ask the public to invest. • The statements in the video are completely untrue and should be ignored. • Our official communication is only done through our verified channels. The video has since been removed by independent IT experts. We take this case very seriously and are working with law enforcement to protect the public from this type of fraud. We strongly advise everyone to remain vigilant against online scams and to always verify the authenticity of communications before taking any action. Scam attempts can easily be recognized by: unrealistic promises about getting rich quick, pressure to act quickly, unknown websites/social media accounts.

Process Integration will join J-Tec Material Handling, further strengthening J-Tec's presence in Scandinavia and expanding its capabilities in the global feed market. The Danish company brings deep technical expertise in solids and liquids handling, thermal processes, utilities, and plant optimization — combined with a strong culture of customer intimacy and independent technology selection. Process Integration and J-Tec Material Handling share a deeply rooted engineering culture built on independence in technology choice, strong process knowledge, long-standing customer relationships, and an unwavering commitment to designing the most optimal technical solution. For decades, each company has pursued the same mission: designing and delivering the most optimal, reliable, and future-proof process solutions for their customers. By joining forces, their combined knowledge base becomes even stronger, their supplier networks more diverse, and their proximity to customers in key regions more immediate. The acquisition of Process Integration enhances J-Tec’s position in the feed market, complements its established activities in food, plastics and chemicals, and significantly expands its presence in Scandinavia. With engineering teams now operating from Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Thailand, the USA and Chile, J-Tec's network has become both global and deeply interconnected. Together, the two companies bring an exceptional track record in solids and liquids handling, production process optimization, and advanced automation. Their combined engineering teams are now equipped to deliver even more comprehensive end-to-end solutions — from concept and basic design to turnkey execution, commissioning and lifelong support — ensuring long-term reliability and measurable value for customers worldwide. With this acquisition, J-Tec reaffirms its ambition to remain a global reference in knowledge-driven engineering and to continue building sustainable, high-quality process installations across multiple industries. J-Tec is a proud member of  family owned Katoen Natie, a global leader in integrated logistics and engineering solutions, headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium. With operations in over 30 countries, Katoen Natie provides tailored supply chain and engineering solutions across sectors such as petrochemicals, consumer goods, food, and specialty chemicals. Known for its innovation, asset-based approach, and long-term partnerships, Katoen Natie combines logistics, engineering, and data management to deliver efficient and sustainable services to clients on a global scale.

J-Tec’s Life Saving Rules: Our Commitment to a Safe Workplace At J-Tec, safety is more than a policy — it's a core value. Every project, every task, and every site we operate on is guided by a single, unwavering priority: ensuring that everyone goes home safe at the end of the day. To support this mission, we follow a set of Life Saving Rules designed to prevent accidents, encourage responsible behaviour, and uphold the highest standards of workplace safety. These principles reflect our proactive approach to risk management and form the foundation of our safety culture. We also take an extra step by providing safety training to every team member, ensuring the correct operation of equipment and proper use of dedicated work tools. This ensures that everyone understands the specific hazards they may face and knows exactly how to respond—confidently, safely, and in full compliance with the latest industry standards. Protecting People with the Right PPE We ensure that everyone working on a J-Tec site is properly protected through the use of certified Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). All PPE is inspected regularly, tailored to the specific risks of the task, and always kept in excellent condition. Wearing the right gear is a simple but powerful way to prevent injuries—and it’s a standard we never compromise. Safe Lifting and Hoisting Practices Whether it’s moving a heavy load or operating lifting machinery, safe lifting and hoisting procedures are critical. At J-Tec, we only use certified, inspected equipment, and we take extra care to secure loads, establish exclusion zones, and ensure no one is ever beneath a suspended item. All lifting operations are carefully planned and supervised to reduce risk at every step. A Focus on Height Safety Working at height remains one of the biggest risks in the industrial sector. That’s why we implement stringent fall protection measures for any task performed above 1.8 meters (or as specified by local regulations). We rely on a combination of collective protection systems and certified fall arrest equipment, always ensuring that tools and materials are secure and that every team member is properly trained. Fit for Duty, Always We believe that safe work starts with a fit and focused team. Everyone on our sites must be alert, well-rested, and fully prepared to carry out their responsibilities. We actively promote a culture where people are empowered to speak up when they see something unsafe, and we expect full compliance with all site safety procedures, including the proper handling of waste, emergency readiness, and a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol or drugs. Electrical Safety Through Lock Out, Tag Out (LoTo) Electrical safety is managed through rigorous Lock Out, Tag Out (LoTo) procedures. All work involving energy sources—electrical, mechanical, thermal, or hydraulic—is carried out by qualified personnel using clearly defined safety steps. This includes isolating energy, releasing stored energy, locking and tagging devices, and verifying the isolation before starting any work. Responsible Use of Tools and Equipment From handheld tools to complex machinery, we maintain strict standards for the safe use and maintenance of equipment. All equipment must be used as intended, properly maintained, and isolated during servicing. These practices are supported by clear safety instructions and regular inspections to prevent unexpected hazards. Handling Chemicals with Care When it comes to handling chemicals and raw materials, we leave nothing to chance. We consult Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Safety Instruction Cards to determine the appropriate PPE and procedures for each product or process. Spills are prevented wherever possible and immediately reported if they occur. We also ensure safe and responsible disposal of chemical waste in line with environmental and safety regulations. Personalised Safety Training To maintain our strong safety culture, we provide tailored training programmes for every individual with a role in potentially hazardous environments. From working at heights to handling chemicals or operating heavy equipment, our training is adapted to the specific tasks, risks, and responsibilities of each team member. This ensures not just compliance, but genuine understanding and confidence on the job. A Culture of Safety You Can Trust At J-Tec, we believe that safety is everyone's responsibility—from the boardroom to the worksite. Our Life Saving Rules are just one part of a larger safety culture built on preparation, training, accountability, and continuous improvement. Whether you're a client, contractor, or partner, you can trust that we are doing everything possible to ensure a safe, compliant, and incident-free working environment.   Want to work for a company where safety comes first?
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If you handle combustible, solvent-containing, or oxygen-sensitive powders, a standard transfer setup may not provide enough protection. ATEX vacuum conveying under inert conditions combines closed conveying, negative pressure, and oxygen reduction - usually with nitrogen - to move product more safely between process steps. You get better control over explosion risk, less dust release, and gentler handling for sensitive powders, granules, and hybrid mixtures.

How inert vacuum conveying protects sensitive powders

The operating principle

In an inert vacuum conveying system, material is sucked through a closed line into a receiver or separator. Before discharge, the conveying chamber and connected vessel are kept under a controlled inert atmosphere so the oxygen level stays below the limit defined by your powder and solvent data. In practice, this is often done with nitrogen. Because the product moves in a sealed system, you reduce both dust cloud formation and contact with surrounding air.

Where it is typically used

This setup is relevant when you transfer powders into reactors, mixers, dryers, IBCs, or other vessels in hazardous areas, especially when the receiving equipment is already inerted or requires strict containment. It is commonly selected for:

• combustible powders with significant dust explosion sensitivity
• hybrid mixtures where dust and solvent vapors are present together
• products discharged into inert process vessels in chemical production or pharma production
• materials that need contained, low-stress handling to protect product quality

Upstream or downstream storage in silos benefits from similar safety principles; see silo operations: safety and efficiency for best practices on safe storage and handling.

What determines ATEX-compliant performance

Equipment, containment, and ignition source control

Safe performance depends on the whole system, not only on one certified component. Correct zone classification, conductive design and grounding, sealed connections, suitable filters and valves, and a layout that limits dust build-up all matter. For sensitive powders, gentle conveying speeds and smooth internal surfaces also help reduce degradation, segregation, and cleaning effort.

Dust-tightness in powder handling systems is part of the safety picture as well. Visible powder leakage is often a sign of air leakage or unstable pressure balance at hoses, hatches, filters, or discharge points. In hazardous powder handling, better containment supports process stability, operator protection, housekeeping, and product quality at the same time.

Control points that should be validated

• required oxygen concentration based on the limiting oxygen concentration of the product or hybrid mixture
• purge sequence and gas flow during filling, holding, and discharge
• monitoring of vacuum, oxygen level, and discharge status
• earthing, conductive components, and compatibility with the applicable ATEX zone
• cleanability and repeatability between batches or product changes

Frequently asked questions about inert vacuum conveying

What does "under inert conditions" mean?

It means the product is conveyed and discharged in an atmosphere where oxygen is reduced below the safe limit defined for that material and process.

Is nitrogen always the right inert gas?

Nitrogen is the most common choice, but not automatically the only one. The right gas depends on your product, process design, utilities, and safety study.

Is ATEX certification alone enough?

No. ATEX certification is important, but safe operation also depends on material testing, zoning, oxygen control, instrumentation, grounding, and validated operating procedures.

Can delicate powders still be conveyed gently?

Yes. Vacuum conveying can be designed for contained, low-velocity transfer, which helps protect friable or segregating powders while keeping the line closed.

When do you need inert vacuum conveying instead of standard vacuum conveying?

You typically need it when powders are combustible, when solvent vapors create a hybrid explosion risk, or when the product must enter an already inerted vessel without breaking containment.

If you are selecting a system, start with dust explosion data, solvent information, and the conditions in the receiving vessel. Those inputs determine whether vacuum conveying under inert conditions is necessary and how the purge, monitoring, and discharge sequence should be designed.

Contact Us for a Custom Solution
Looking to protect your team, equipment, and production line? We offer fully tailored vacuum conveying systems designed for safe, efficient, and ATEX-compliant material handling. Contact our expert team today to discuss your process requirements and receive a custom solution.