FrieslandCampina preserves wastewater with Polem 600m³ tank

Challenges and analysis

The dairy industry faces unique challenges in wastewater treatment. Every day, FrieslandCampina produces substantial volumes of process water that vary in composition and volume.

These fluctuations are further amplified by seasonal production peaks. Without a smart solution, this could lead to load spikes in the biological treatment plant, risking reduced purification efficiency and potential environmental impact. The existing storage capacity was no longer adequate for maintaining a stable, sustainable, and low-maintenance system.

Solution and implementation

Together with Polem, a seamless 600 m³ composite tank was selected. Thanks to its corrosion-resistant material, this tank is perfectly suited for temporarily storing wastewater with varying pH levels and organic loads.

The design ensures a long service life and minimal maintenance needs, aligning perfectly with FrieslandCampina’s sustainability goals. During implementation, close cooperation ensured that the tank integrated seamlessly with the existing wastewater process.

Results

The new tank now plays a crucial buffering role. By absorbing production peaks in wastewater, the system ensures a steady flow to the biological treatment plant. This has led to:

• Maximum purification efficiency through stable bacterial processes
• Flexibility to handle production peaks, thanks to the large storage capacity
• Reduced maintenance costs due to the durable composite material
• Lower environmental impact thanks to controlled discharge of treated water

The collaboration between FrieslandCampina and Polem clearly shows how smart technology can create direct value for both the environment and business operations.

Lessons learned

One key takeaway from this project is the importance of early-stage collaboration. By incorporating input from production and wastewater teams during the design phase, a solution was created that perfectly fits operational realities.

It also reinforced that investing in sustainable materials and increased buffer capacity pays off—delivering process stability, sustainability, and cost-efficiency.

Conclusion

With the installation of the 600 m³ composite tank, FrieslandCampina has taken its wastewater management to the next level. The tank is not only a technical achievement but also supports the company’s broader sustainability strategy.

This project shows how innovative storage technology helps the food industry achieve its environmental goals without compromising production efficiency. The partnership between Polem and FrieslandCampina offers great potential for further applications in similar environments.

FAQ

1. Why was composite chosen as the tank material?
Composite is highly corrosion-resistant and low-maintenance, making it ideal for storing wastewater with variable chemical compositions. Its durability also ensures a much longer service life compared to traditional metal tanks.

2. How does the tank impact the performance of the biological treatment plant?
By absorbing production peaks, the tank provides a steady flow to the treatment plant. This results in more stable bacterial processes and higher purification efficiency.

3. Is the system flexible for future capacity expansions?
Yes, the modular design allows for easy scaling if production increases in the future. Additional buffer tanks can also be added if needed.

4. How does this project contribute to FrieslandCampina’s sustainability goals?
The investment helps optimize water use and reduce environmental impact. It aligns perfectly with FrieslandCampina’s broader strategy to lower CO₂ emissions and ecological footprint.

5. What were the biggest challenges during implementation?
Integrating the tank into an existing process environment required precise planning. Thanks to excellent coordination between technical teams, the project was completed without major disruptions to production.

Interested in sustainable storage solutions?

Want to learn how innovative storage systems can improve your wastewater management? Contact our team — we’d love to explore the possibilities with you.