Reducing treatment costs and the environmental impact of food processing
The food and drink industry faces ongoing pressure to cut costs and to reduce its environmental footprint. Many food companies are being hit by the continuous increase in trade effluent charges. Clearfleau will reduce discharge costs for liquid effluents, including:
- Waste water arising from food processing
- Wash down residues and effluents
- Blancher liquors or process condensates
- Unused ingredients and waste product
- Other bio-waste, including rejected products
Liquid anaerobic digestion is an ideal process for treatment of such materials, which include waste plant organic material, sugars, oils or fats. Our high rate digestion process will convert the volatile solids into biogas and can be integrated into existing treatment systems.
Detailed analysis of waste is required to evaluate biogas potential. Effectiveness can be assessed on your site with our mobile pilot unit. In addition to reduced costs, other benefits include:
- Reduced discharge of effluent and haulage of waste off-site
- Generation of electricity and heat for use on-site
- Reduced environmental impact and lower carbon footprint
- Potential for recycled water to partly replace existing supply
In addition to cutting effluent disposal costs, the food sector is being encouraged to use less water and recycle more. Clearfleau's effluent handling expertise is focused on cost effective generation of biogas. Major food processors are now looking at how anaerobic treatment can reduce their costs.
UK Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control regulations (IPPC) require companies to make continual improvements in environmental practices. ISO 14001 requires periodic environmental audits. As with renewable energy, investment in water recycling is eligible for enhanced capital allowances (ECAs). The industry also needs to reduce energy consumption and its carbon footprint.
