In an era defined by the growing urgency of environmental concerns, one resource stands as a profound global challenge: water. As one of the planet’s most precious and scarce natural resources, water ranks as a top environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concern. While various industries worldwide grapple with the challenges of resource scarcity and environmental degradation, the food and beverage processing sectors require substantial water consumption for their everyday operations.

THE HIDDEN COSTS OF WATER CONSUMPTION

Whether used as an ingredient, an essential component of food preparation and production, or a tool for upholding workplace hygiene, the quantum of water consumed by a processor’s operations can quickly add up. According to Food Northwest, poultry processing can utilize anywhere from 3.5 to 7.0 gallons of water for each four-pound bird. For tasks like carcass washing and cleanup, beef processing can require a range of 350 to 550 gallons per animal. Meanwhile, contingent on their respective efficiencies, breweries can use between seven and 10 gallons of water to craft a single gallon of beer, and cold soft drink plants generally require between 1.3 and three gallons of water per gallon of packed soft drink.

The intricacies of the water–energy nexus further compound the cost of water. When water needs to be heated—for activities such as cooking, pasteurization, or cleaning—energy is expended to raise its temperature. This correlation holds true for various processes in the food and beverage industry, such as heating, cooling, pumping, mixing, and more. In essence, the greater the volume of water involved, the higher the concurrent energy consumption will be.

Amidst these complex dynamics, the consequences of substantial water consumption extend not only to food and beverage processors, but also to the environment. As ESG concerns rise to the forefront of many corporate agendas, food and beverage processors find themselves under growing pressures to align their operations with sustainable practices to manage water responsibly.

SAFEGUARDING OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY, FOOD SAFETY, AND HYGIENE

As the industry looks for ways to reduce water consumption, the quality of water used in food and beverage processing also has a significant impact on a facility’s long-term success. From the perspective of operational efficiency, pristine water quality ensures that equipment remains free of excessive scaling and fouling, which not only helps to extend the lifespan of machinery, but also reduces the need for frequent maintenance. In turn, this can lead to improved process efficiency and minimized downtime.

Additionally, water used for processes such as heating and cooling is more effective when it’s free from impurities or those impurities are managed properly. Clean water heats and cools more quickly and requires less energy to reach the desired temperature, leading to energy savings and more streamlined processing. According to the Bureau of Standards, steam boiler systems with only 1/16” scale formation can result in 11% efficiency losses, while cooling systems with biological film as thick as a piece of scotch tape are four times more insulative than mineral scaling and can reduce heat transfer efficiency by 7% to 10%.

Even more critical than operational efficiency is the importance of water quality in upholding the strict standards of food safety. Because water serves as an essential component for cleaning and sanitizing, it’s critical to keep this water free from harmful microorganisms. Contaminated water can introduce pathogens into the processing environment, leading to compromised products and the potential for an outbreak of foodborne illnesses—a grave scenario that no processor can afford to overlook. Furthermore, a clean processing environment, supported by high-quality water, contributes to a safer workplace for employees.

ENHANCING AND UNDERSTANDING YOUR CURRENT SYSTEM

Despite the inevitable need for many water-intensive processes in the food and beverage sector, various methods exist to help processors optimize their water use and, ultimately, consume less over time.

One approach lies in elevating the efficiency of wastewater treatment processes. Since wastewater treatment is already necessary, simply enhancing your current process for reuse in non-potable processes can be a huge advantage. Effectively treating wastewater laden with organic matter often involves methods of filtration, sedimentation, coagulation, and chemical treatment to disinfect and purify the water. Utilizing reclaimed water provides an alternative water supply, enhances operational efficiency, helps cut costs, and strengthens profitability.

The growth of data tracking and analysis presents another method by which food processors can aim to optimize their water use and progressively reduce consumption over time. By leveraging data tracking, food processors can gain a comprehensive understanding of their current water consumption patterns and identify areas of improvement. Monitoring these insights in real time not only helps processors identify deviations from expected consumption levels but also provides an opportunity to predict and anticipate future trends. By embracing data-driven decision making, processors can track their progress over time, examine real-time cost of water and energy consumption, and develop customized water management strategies to fit their specific needs.

A PATH TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

As the processing industry looks toward a greener future, the management of water use and water quality is a strategic method for a more sustainable transformation. Much like any systemic shift, the journey toward optimized water use must begin with a deeper understanding of the current processes in place. Providing a tangible “value advantage” as a supplier is a critical component needed for both customer and supplier to be successful. By integrating advanced water treatment technologies and continually measuring growth and development when it comes to water use, processors can minimize waste, harness their water’s potential for multiple cycles of use, and optimize processes to save time and energy, all while quantifying the value of these improvements.

Ultimately, water use for the food and beverage processing industry extends beyond mere consumption; it also comes down to responsible stewardship and maximizing the value of every drop.

Source: www.foodqualityandsafety.com