Fonterra generates fertilizer from wastewater

By Jim Cornall

- Last updated on GMT

Fonterra is turning dairy waste from its Edendale plant into fertilizer for local farmers
Fonterra is turning dairy waste from its Edendale plant into fertilizer for local farmers

Related tags Water

New wastewater treatment technology at Fonterra’s Edendale site in New Zealand is turning dairy waste into fertilizer that is being used on local pastures. 

The cooperative’s southernmost site has created a fertilizer product from the microbial treatment of wastewater. Fonterra says that tests show the treatment creates some of the most nutrient rich dairy-derived fertilizer in the country.

“Our manufacturing process produces wastewater that contains dairy solids. We use microbes to consume those solids, which in turn produce a dense liquid,”​ Fonterra environmental manager, Ian Goldschmidt said.

Exceeding sustainability guidelines

The fertilizer is one of three products made at the wastewater plant that benefit local farmers. Fonterra is working with new technology to turn the other by-product into stock food and the increased capacity of the new wastewater storage pond enables the cooperative to return as much water as possible to the land through irrigation.

“The role of sustainability in food production is becoming increasingly important as we look for new ways to feed the growing global population,”​ Goldschmidt added.

He said that the company has introduced new guidelines across the business around sustainable wastewater treatment and disposal that, in many cases, will see the environmental standards exceed what is required by regulation.

“Plants like the one at Edendale are part of a program of investment aimed at seeing Fonterra leading global industry water standards, ensuring our outputs have good environmental outcomes.”

Related topics Business Oceania Dairy

Related news

Show more

Related products

Elevate your snacks with novel cheese flavours

Elevate your snacks with novel cheese flavours

Content provided by Givaudan | 23-Feb-2024 | Product Brochure

Aside from conducting desk research to understand snacking preferences and taste profiles among consumers in the Asia Pacific, Givaudan also embarked on...

Mastering taste challenges in good-for-you products

Mastering taste challenges in good-for-you products

Content provided by Symrise | 12-Sep-2023 | White Paper

When food and beverage manufacturers reduce sugar, salt, or fat and add fibers, minerals or vitamins, good-for-you products can suffer from undesirable...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars

Food & Beverage Trailblazers

F&B Trailblazers Podcast