Food Processing Pollution Prevention
The food processing industry is an essential component of the Minnesota economy. The Annual Survey of Manufacturers indicates the food processing subsector accounted for 23.7% of the total value of shipments by Minnesota manufacturers in 2020. Of this, dairy product manufacturing was 19.8%, with shipments valued over 5.5 billion dollars. In addition, dairy product manufacturing establishments in Minnesota employed approximately 5,500 people, provided more than $300 million in annual payroll, and was ranked the 6th best major manufacturing sector for job growth in the state.[1][2][3]
Focus Areas
- Review cleaning procedures and reduce hazardous chemical use.
- Identify opportunities to conserve water.
- Reduce process related food waste and related wastewater strength charges.
Case Studies
Carton Filling Minimization Study
Compressed Air Energy Efficiency in Meat Processing
Compressed Air Leaks in Food Manufacturing
Conveyor Belts in Food Manufacturing
Edible Oil Management in Food Manufacturers
Food Waste Upcycling and Minimization
Pollution Prevention in Floor Sanitation
Pollution Prevention in Tank Unloading
Pollution Prevention Through Chemical Substitution
Water Use in the Meat Processing Industry
Webinars
Seeking Success: MnTAP’s Approach to P2 in the Food and Beverage Sector
Event: EPA Region 7 P2 Roundtable
Date: November 2022
Presentation
Common P2 Practices in Dairy Processors
Event: 2023 P2 Week
Date: September 2023
Presentation
Waste and Resource Minimization Strategies for Food Producers
Event: Midwest Food Products Association Annual Conference
Date: November 2023
Presentation
Pollution Prevention Solutions for Dairy Production Facilities in Minnesota
Event: National Pollution Prevention Roundtable
Date: March 2024
Presentation
Strategies for Source and Load Reduction in Industrial Effluent
Event: Minnesota Wastewater Operator’s Conference
Date: October 2024
Presentation
Strategies for Organic Source and Load Reduction in Industrial Effluent
Event: FOG Forum
Date: May 2025
Presentation
Intern Projects
Kemps, Minneapolis, Sean Sticha
Goal: Lead a project focused on dairy product conservation and waste minimization at a local food manufacturing facility.
Intern Summary
Ventura Foods, Albert Lea, Allicia Petrich
Goal: Lead a project focused on fuel and water savings.
Intern Summary
Lakeside Foods, Owatonna, Gannon Shilson
Goal: Lead a project focused on waste diversion, wastewater loading reduction, and water conservation at a food manufacturing facility.
Intern Summary
Michael Foods, Chaska, Padon Kinzley
Goal: Lead a project focused on water conservation, wastewater loading reduction, and energy efficiency at a food manufacturing facility.
Intern Summary
Contact Us
The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program located at the University of Minnesota is a nonregulatory, confidential service geared towards conserving resources, improving efficiency, and reducing costs in Minnesota businesses. Give us a call to schedule your no-cost assessment!
- Kevin Philpy – Senior Engineer
philp029@umn.edu