Beverage Industry News
High Solids Digestion In The Food And Beverage Industry
Wednesday, 19, May 2010
A SIGNIFICANT portion of the food waste stream still making its way to landfills is created through food production and processing activities. This portion is easier to target for renewable energy projects as there are typically larger quantities of food waste available in a centralized location.Because of more stringent processing and sanitation requirements, the volume of food production and processing waste has increased in recent years. Disposal can be difficult for food processors due to rising hauling costs, as well as more stringent practices for animal feed and land application.
Unfortunately, many food processors still landfill food waste if this is the most economical disposal available.At the same time, rising wastewater surcharges, utility costs and consumer pressure for products to be “green” are leading food processors to pursue on-site anaerobic treatment and energy recovery as an option for food waste. Another trend is forming partnerships with other food producers and/or with local municipalities to provide mutually beneficial codigestion opportunities, utilizing existing or new anaerobic digester infrastructure.
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