Optimized production process conserves resources

Material efficiency is built into Valio’s production processes. We make efficient use of raw milk, we minimize waste, and we optimize water consumption. Well-planned daily routines at production plants are a key part of our environmental work.

Efficient use of raw materials and waste management   

The aim is to utilize every fraction of milk for high value-added products. At Valio, resource efficiency means not only production planning optimized from the perspective of resource use, but also ensuring that byproducts generated during the production process are directed towards beneficial use.  

Raw milk is used to produce a wide variety of products, in the manufacturing of which various components – such as fat, proteins, lactose, whey, and minerals – are separated from the milk. We make extensive use of these components in the production of hundreds of products, including butter, cheese, milk powder, and various snack products. Thanks to our diverse product range, it is also possible to further process production by-products into, e.g., grated cheese and processed cheese, which reduces food waste. 

Systematic production process supports resource efficiency  

All of Valio’s operations are guided by our environmental policy and our environmental management system, which has ISO 14001 certification covering the Finnish and Estonian operations.  

At Valio’s production plants, the systematic handling and storage of raw materials used in manufacturing, along with the management of production processes, reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and support production profitability. It also helps conserve water and energy. 

In waste management, we adhere to the EU’s waste hierarchy principle. This means that we strive to prevent waste generation and to divert as much material as possible to reuse and recycling. 

Ever-decreasing water consumption  

Water consumption in Valio’s production is influenced by the product mix, which determines how often the equipment at our plants needs to be cleaned. We reduce water consumption at our plants by using clean-in-place methods on process equipment, optimizing water usage, and increasing the use of recycled water. 

In 2022, we developed a new concept to reduce water consumption at production plants over the long term. The concept identifies the main consumption points, monitors and analyses water consumption, and thus supports efforts to reduce water consumption.  

Projects aimed at reducing wastewater volumes also contribute to a reduction in the consumption of clean domestic water. 

Expanding the use of recycled water offers opportunities to reduce clean water consumption and wastewater volumes. Applications for recycled water are always selected with food safety in mind.