The basic operations of a meat processor generally include activities of slaughter, carcass washing, cutting, deboning, grinding, sanitizing of the product and facility, packaging, and waste management. Because each of these processes are water-intensive, many meat and poultry processors tend to focus their efforts on reducing water consumption at each stage. While close management of resource use and efficient processes can help create operational efficiencies, the need for significant volumes of water in meat and poultry processing is inevitable.
To truly optimize water use and consume less over time, processors can connect with Diversey to implement Water Treatment systems that allow them to recycle and reuse process water.
Water Consumption: Less Isn’t Always Best
At face value, it may sound counterintuitive to suggest that any processor should not focus on resource conservation. At any rate, reducing water use is the optimal goal for protein processors wanting to cut costs, enhance operational efficiencies, and achieve their sustainability goals. The difference is in which phase processors focus on.
Finding ways to consume slightly less water in each stage of a plant’s operations won’t yield the significant savings processors are after. Instead, finding ways to recycle and reuse water is key. With the right treatment process and an effective combination of chemistries, meat and poultry processors can achieve considerable water savings over time without reducing the initial need for water as a resource.
Additionally, while the technology behind wastewater treatment is still relatively new, there is the belief that small volumes of water with high levels of contaminants are more difficult to treat than the alternative. In this case, it would be in a processor’s best interest to avoid seeking ways to reduce water use, and rather plan to treat wastewater for reuse in non-potable processes.
Achieve Significant Water Savings by Enhancing Your Current Treatment System
To comply with local, state, and federal regulations, meat and poultry processors are already expected to remove the proteins, fat, blood, skin, oils, and other particulate materials before discharging wastewater. Since treatment is already necessary, simply enhancing your current process for reuse can be a huge advantage.
Effectively treating wastewater laden with organic matter often involves methods of filtration, sedimentation, coagulation, and chemical treatment to disinfect and purify the water. With the ongoing support and expertise of Diversey as your water treatment partner, meat and poultry processors can determine the ways in which water reuse is feasible. Utilizing reclaimed water provides an alternative water supply, enhances operational efficiency, helps cut costs, and strengthens profitability.
Ready for an opportunity assessment? Schedule a call with our Water Treatment experts
Support Sustainability with Custom Water Treatment Solutions
Between water scarcity, global warming, and process waste, water reuse in the meat and poultry processing industry is pivotal for a more sustainable future. A single four-pound bird can require up to 7.5 gallons of water in processing. For beef, upwards of 450 gallons can be required per animal. While processors can take steps to lower the initial volume of water consumed, water recycling delivers powerful benefits for individual processors and the environment alike.
At Diversey, we know that every facility is different. The methods and strategies behind an effective water treatment system are largely dependent on the unique operations of each processor. Identifying exactly where your wastewater comes from and what it contains is crucial in determining how to achieve reuse.
To develop an effective water treatment system and optimize the chemistry, Diversey will analyze the entirety of your plant’s water use to make the best recommendation on how to move forward. Likewise, processors can continue to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and overall value by combining Diversey’s Hygiene Solutions with water treatment capabilities for a holistic approach to water and hygiene management.
Interested in learning more about how a unified approach protects against contamination and reduces treatment costs? Contact the Diversey team today.
