the potential to save more than one million cubic meters of water each year. Agropur has been able to minimize wastewater by using automation for product recovery, said Ted Winkelman, director of environmental compliance. This includes monitoring conductivity and flow rates and ultraviolet technology for diversion. Lines are flushed of chemicals, and final clean-in-place rinses are recovered for pre-rinse use when possible. Technologies such as Hydrite's Optimax system allow the company to monitor clean-in-place processes for chemical use and proper dosing. Advances in membrane technologies and capability improvements around controls and monitoring systems also help the company reduce wastewater. Product recovery for reuses in animal feed, anaerobic digestor feedstock and fertilizer applications are another initiative at Agropur. The company is also evaluating brine reuse for de-icing on roadways and hide tanning with plans to install a brine recycling project in 2024 at the company's Weyauwega, Wis,. facility. The company is also using condensate of whey water whenever possible as a replacement for fresh water. " Less water to purchase and treat all leads to lower operational expenditures, " Winkelman said. " It gives us the ability to grow the business with limited impact on existing permits with federal, state and municipal governments. Limited loss of product to the drain has a direct financial impact to the bottom line of sellable products, as well as lower operational For your slice only. Ditch the stick (and your parchment paper) with a release agent. Oil-based release agents can stop cheese slices from sticking together without the need for parchment paper. They can also enhance the quality of finished product and reduce production costs. Want to learn more? Contact us at Info.food@vantagegrp.com Better Cheese Made Possible DAIRYPROCESSING.COM | NOV-DEC 2023 45https://www.vantagegrp.com/Contact-us