DAIRY SPECIAL FILTERING OUT THE WASTE IN PURSUIT OF BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY Given the challenges now facing the dairy industry, exploring new ways to stay competitive may not be as hard as anticipated. While processors may know the individual cost of tools and utilities, often overlooked is the total cost of operation. By understanding the total cost of operation, businesses could soon identify new waste lines. And sometimes it’s the waste you can’t see – such as time. Sealed Air NZ’s national sales manager for retail and hygiene Mark Browning says membrane installations are one of the largest investments of time and money within the cleaning and sanitation processes of the dairy industry. “Reconsidering the measures to protect the membrane system throughout its life cycle can translate to huge gains in both productivity and efficiency,” he says, “and can also deliver a multitude of environmental benefits.” Divos – Sealed Air’s Diversey membrane-cleaning programme – is a world-class customised programme that offers processors not only an overall lower membrane cleaning cost base, but some significant environmental benefits. This membrane cleaning solution, developed in conjunction with global membrane manufacturers, is specially formulated to protect the membrane structure. The programme has the potential to extend the average life span of membranes from two years up 22 AUGUST 2016 to four-to-six years. Coupled with this, the gentle cleaning system improves the efficacy of the clean, as well as the effectiveness of the membranes as they age. The Divos range of enzymatic membrane cleaning chemicals has been developed with the right chemistry that enables membrane cleaning to be performed using less energy and less water than conventional cleaning methods, Browning says. “The chemistry also reduces the required cleaning time without sacrificing plant hygiene and consumer safety. Sealed Air’s Divos technology has worked with manufacturers to reduce cleaning time by 15-20 per cent. Less time cleaning provides more uptime opportunities, which is a key in today’s processing industry. The world class technology underpinning the solution is able to automate the entire cleaning process, enabling greater time and labour cost-savings. It also offers peace of mind as it delivers a consistent dosage rate – a great way to enhance plant safety and food safety.” The gentle chemistries of Divos brings the processor a unique cleaning solution that is also designed with the environment in mind, Browning says. This chlorine-free programme yields effluent that is gentle to the environment, warranting a less aggressive waste treatment plan. Similarly, by reducing the amount of chemicals used for cleaning membranes, plant effluent is less affected by residual chemicals such as nitrates and sodium hydroxide. Not only does this system support environmental objectives but it also reduces the subsequent financial impact associated with effluent disposal. There are many consumer safety benefits offered by the Divos Programme. The system removes any risk associated with residual chlorine migrating into products. At a time when infant milk formula is in demand, this risk-adverse solution reduces the chance of protein damage and taint. Dairy producers are fast recognising the need to balance the high standards of hygiene and food safety with gaining optimal efficiency of its operations. Approaching membrane cleaning with a more holistic, longer-term view can help processors identify avenues to reduce costs and identify opportunities for the responsible management and disposal of effluents – all while complying with regulated food safety standards, Browning says. Sealed Air Corporation generated revenue of approximately $7 billion last year by helping customers achieve sustainability goals in the face of today’s biggest social and environmental challenges. Its portfolio of widely recognised brands, including Cryovac brand food packaging solutions, Bubble Wrap brand cushioning and Diversey cleaning and hygiene solutions, enable a safer and less wasteful food supply chain, protecting valuable goods shipped around the world and improving health through clean environments. Sealed Air has approximately 23,000 employees who serve customers in 169 countries. To learn more, visit www.sealedair.com Waste reduction across dairy processing facilities is a key enabler in increasing operational efficiencies, driving a sustainable supply chain and securing bottom line growth. "Divos technology has worked with manufacturers to reduce cleaning time by 15-20 per cent”
FT AUG 16
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