Effluent treatment is a key focus for food and drink firms

23-Apr-2018 - Last updated on 23-Apr-2018 at 11:30 GMT

Around 77% of food and drink manufacturers want to reduce water use

Almost four-fifths (79%) of multi-site companies across a mix of industries – including those in the food and drink manufacturing sector – are focused on reducing their energy costs over the next 12 months, according to new research published by waste water treatment specialist Siltbuster Process Solutions (SPS).

However, the figure falls to 60% of smaller operators, reported SPS, which surveyed more than 40 production heads in UK companies.

The study, ‘UK industrial effluent treatment’, suggested that, to reduce energy bills, many companies were exploring the role waste and waste treatment could play, with 21% saying that they wanted to use waste for energy production and one-in-four investing in renewable energy.

“Every aspect of a company’s plans has an impact on waste treatment. Whether it’s expanding plant throughput, reducing water usage, introducing new products, changing shift patterns or even a simple change to a product’s formulation – the effect on effluent can be significant,” said Clwyd Jones, SPS business development manager.

‘Effect on effluent can be significant’

“Waste isn’t simply something to be worried about – if carefully planned, waste treatment can be an enabler too. Of course, the major priority for everyone is meeting their environmental obligations, but a well-planned waste treatment strategy can help companies reduce their maintenance costs, plant down time, and water and energy costs too.”

According to the results of the study, 85% of food and drink processors were trying to reduce their energy bills, while 82% wanted to reduce waste and 77% wanted to reduce water use.

Almost three quarters planned to reduce maintenance costs and 56% planned to reduce plant downtime.