Whey processing technology turns waste into profit

SPX Flow Technology’s new technology turns whey, lactose and permeate powders from a waste stream into a new source of profit.

After crystallization, whey concentrate is dried in a spray dryer, where each powder is treated depending on customer specifications. Photo courtesy of SPX Flow Technology.
After crystallization, whey concentrate is dried in a spray dryer, where each powder is treated depending on customer specifications. Photo courtesy of SPX Flow Technology.

Until recently, cheese processors and other dairies would discard whey by transporting it off-site to be dried by other companies, to drain into effluent treatment plants or city municipalities or to be used as cattle feed. However, these options come with significant transport or disposal costs that can negatively impact a company’s environmental footprint and bottom line.

But, when SPX Flow Technology introduced whey processing technology, which turns whey, lactose and permeate powders from a waste stream into a new source of profit, it opened new avenues for various applications and markets.

“This is not an energy management process,” says Pranav Shah, process category sales manager, dry dairy for SPX Flow Technology. “This is a special ‘extraction/mining’ process that helps to mine out special ingredients from whey. The pediatric, geriatric, nutrition, ready-to-eat, baking, confectionery, health and pharmaceutical industries benefit from harvesting ingredients through this extraction process.”

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