Fonterra generates fertilizer from wastewater

By Jim Cornall

- Last updated on GMT

Fonterra is turning dairy waste from its Edendale plant into fertilizer for local farmers
Fonterra is turning dairy waste from its Edendale plant into fertilizer for local farmers

Related tags Water

New wastewater treatment technology at Fonterra’s Edendale site in New Zealand is turning dairy waste into fertilizer that is being used on local pastures. 

The cooperative’s southernmost site has created a fertilizer product from the microbial treatment of wastewater. Fonterra says that tests show the treatment creates some of the most nutrient rich dairy-derived fertilizer in the country.

“Our manufacturing process produces wastewater that contains dairy solids. We use microbes to consume those solids, which in turn produce a dense liquid,”​ Fonterra environmental manager, Ian Goldschmidt said.

Exceeding sustainability guidelines

The fertilizer is one of three products made at the wastewater plant that benefit local farmers. Fonterra is working with new technology to turn the other by-product into stock food and the increased capacity of the new wastewater storage pond enables the cooperative to return as much water as possible to the land through irrigation.

“The role of sustainability in food production is becoming increasingly important as we look for new ways to feed the growing global population,”​ Goldschmidt added.

He said that the company has introduced new guidelines across the business around sustainable wastewater treatment and disposal that, in many cases, will see the environmental standards exceed what is required by regulation.

“Plants like the one at Edendale are part of a program of investment aimed at seeing Fonterra leading global industry water standards, ensuring our outputs have good environmental outcomes.”

Related topics Manufacturers Fonterra Sustainability

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1 comment

Ampliación de información

Posted by Sergio González Ruiz,

Estoy interesado en conocer un poco mas sobre la generación de fertilizante a partir de las aguas residuales

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