36 | Leading in sustainable dairy Fonterra Hautapu specialises in producing high-value dairy products, ranging from casein to whey protein concentrate. T T from page 34 Fonterra - Hautapu REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT “Fonterra owns 29 farms throughout the country around our manufacturing sites to help us with our treatment of wastewater from our manufacturing operations and nutrient management. At Hautapu we utilise three of these farms,” he explains. “Where we have stock on the farms, we harvest the crops to turn into animal feed. This creates a circular model for nutrient management, which provides us with a system that is good for the environment as well as business.” He says Fonterra’s commitment to doing what’s right for the long-term sustainability of the co-op and communities is to focus on how it can ensure its plants are operating as efficiently and effectively as possible. He says the treatment of process wastewater starts with its operations. “We make sure our cleaning processes are optimised and milk residue is minimised. This limits the amount of nitrogen, phosphorous and other organic components in the water. “ We use a range of treatment processes to clarify and clean the wastewater before we irrigate onto our nutrient management farms or discharge it once treated, into the Waikato River (in accordance with our consent). “Currently at Hautapu we do this by utilising dissolved air flotation (DAF) plants. These plants clarify process wastewater by releasing dissolved air under pressure, which attaches to suspended fats and solids as it rises to the surface of the DAF tank, removing them from the process wastewater. In addition to all this we also look for opportunities to save water.” The second project underway at the plant will see the site phase out coal usage through the conversion of existing coal boilers to wood pellets. Once completed the project is projected to slash carbon emissions by an impressive 15,785 tonnes per annum, equivalent to removing approximately 6,500 cars from New Zealand’s roads annually, says Jonathan. The project has received support from the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry (GIDI) Process Heat Contestable Fund. This project is part of Fonterra’s wider de- “We make sure our cleaning processes are optimised and milk residue is minimised. This limits the amount of nitrogen, phosphorous and other organic components in the water. carbonisation strategy, which includes a target of reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 (from a 2018 baseline), on the way to net zero by 2050 and transitioning out of coal by 2037. Positioned at the heart of the Waikato region for over 120 years, Fonterra Hautapu specialises in producing high-value dairy products, ranging from casein to whey protein concentrate. With a workforce of around 300 staff the Hautapu site remains deeply ingrained in the local community, actively engaging in sponsorship initiatives and community outreach programs via Fonterra’s Hapori Fund, says Jonathan. “We are part of the community and it’s important to keep well connected and engaged.” Jonathan says the site is dedicated to attracting top talent and fostering a supportive work environment. As a key employer in the Cambridge region, he says Fonterra Hautapu will continue to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and community development. “We will keep improving our sustainability footprint and making good high value product for global markets. We’re here for the long term hence why we continue to invest in the site.” • Design & Build Projects • Industrial Electrical Installations • Control Panel Design & Build • EEHA - Hazardous Areas • Electrical Engineering • Control & Automation • Electrical Thermography • Machine Safety Systems
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