ÅF has received an order from Arla Foods for SEK 63 million to convert Falkenberg Dairy in Sweden into an eco-friendly plant with new technology for recycling and processing of waste products.
“This is the largest order from Arla so far and proof of our ability to strengthen Arla’s competitiveness and create value in large complex projects,” says Robert Larsson, EVP and Head of Division Industry at ÅF.
As Europe's largest maker of cottage cheese, Falkenberg Dairy produces many varieties of the product including the KESO® brand. The production generates acid whey that is currently being returned to the farmers and rinse water which goes directly to the local wastewater treatment plant.
Instead the new technology at the plant will collect and concentrate the acid whey, which will then be processed into whey protein, an ingredient used by food companies all over the world. This will transform a costly waste product into a valuable by-product instead.
The rinse water will also be purified on site and recycled in its own production process, which also has a positive environmental effect.
Alan Thomsen, Site Manager at Arla Falkenberg says: “Sustainable dairy production is top priority at Arla. With help from ÅF, we are now raising our environmental efforts further and creating value of a product that was not previously used.”
The project is set to be launched immediately with the new plant is expected to be completed in summer 2019.