Cross-industry collaboration involving Arla Foods UK has presented solutions for disposing of waste effluent that include passing it to builders to make stronger bricks.
That was just one of many creative avenues discussed as part of the National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP), which focuses on recycling by-products.
NISP brings 10,000 business members from areas such as food processing, automotive and construction sectors, waste management firms and innovators together to recover and reuse waste materials.
“We found that washing water could be mixed with clay as part of the brick making process and it improves the bricks,” said Richard Laxton, work and environment compliance adviser for Arla.
“In south east England brickworks are shutting down two days a week because they can’t get enough water to make bricks,” said Laxton. “If we can contribute a lot of water and waste we kill two birds with one stone.” However, the project is at present on hold because of the downturn in the housing market.
Another project Arla is working on involves supplying rejected raw milk as a feedstock for Biogen (UK) to use to generate biogas from its anaerobic digestion facilities. Previously, the waste was incinerated, so the collaboration has reduced pollution and generated cost savings for both companies.
Arla, which aims to produce zero waste by 2010, also sends waste water to Severn Trent Water and Biffa at Wanlip for biogas production.
The dairy giant is also working with a university to develop an advanced effluent treatment technology. “Samples have undergone initial investigation and the results are very promising, leading to further research and the development of heat and power opportunities,” said Laxton. “Another technology we’re looking into can turn fat into biodiesel.”
Laxton is voluntary chairman of the NISP East Midlands’ programme advisory group, which incorporates representatives from local and national government and public sector bodies and meets quarterly. “In the short term we’ve identified 15 synergies for dealing with waste and saving energy,” said Laxton.
The NISP project has also built up an extensive database for members, enabling them to track down contacts that could help with sustainable use of resources.