Dairy Processing
anyTarget: Milk and cheese producers
If you are a dairy producer dealing with contaminated wastewater—this project developed monitoring methods and treatment solutions that reduce the environmental footprint of your facility.
PURE-FOOD · Project
Reducing Chemical and Plastic Pollution in Food and Drink Production Processes
foodTestedTRL 5
Imagine the water used in food factories as a sponge that picks up invisible pollutants like microplastics and chemicals. This work finds where these hidden pollutants hide and how they leak into the environment. It then tests better cleaning and filtering tools to stop these toxins from reaching our plates and the planet.
By the numbers
6
case studies across the EU and beyond
16
partners
62%
industry ratio in consortium
The business problem
What needed solving
Food and drink companies struggle with 'cocktail effects' of emerging pollutants like PFAS and microplastics. Current treatment technologies are often not optimized for the specific chemical profiles of different food sectors.
The solution
What was built
The project creates a database of pollutants, harmonized monitoring methods, and demonstrated water treatment solutions across 6 different food sub-sectors.
Audience
Who needs this
Industrial wastewater treatment plant operatorsFood and beverage quality control managersSustainability officers in the agri-food sectorEnvironmental compliance consultants
Business applications
Who can put this to work
Brewing
mid-sizeTarget: Commercial breweries
If you are a brewery dealing with complex pollutant mixtures in your runoff—this project developed a way to map pollution hotspots that allows you to prioritize the most effective mitigation measures.
Aquaculture
SMETarget: Fish and seafood farms
If you are an aquaculture operator dealing with antimicrobial resistance genes and PFAS—this project developed a scientific assessment of these pollutants that helps ensure a healthier final product.
Frequently asked
Quick answers
What is the cost or price of the developed solutions?
Based on available project data, specific pricing or cost details for the treatment technologies are not provided.
Can these solutions be implemented at an industrial scale?
Yes, the project uses 6 case studies in real-world settings across the EU and Colombia to demonstrate solutions in actual industry environments.
How is the IP or licensing handled for the new monitoring methods?
Based on available project data, the specific IP and licensing terms have not been disclosed.
Which regulations does this project help companies comply with?
The project focuses on Zero Pollution goals, targeting the reduction of PFAS, microplastics, and pesticides to meet public and policy expectations for sustainability.
What is the timeline for the rollout of these results?
The project runs from 2026-09-01 to 2030-08-31, meaning results will be finalized by August 2030.
Consortium
Who built it
The consortium is heavily industry-driven, with 10 industrial partners representing 62% of the group. This high commercial presence, including 4 SMEs, suggests that the outcomes are designed for immediate practical application rather than purely academic interest. The geographic spread across 8 countries ensures the solutions are tested against diverse regulatory and environmental conditions.
How to reach the team
Contact VLAAMSE INSTELLING VOOR TECHNOLOGISCH ONDERZOEK N.V. in Belgium
Next steps
Talk to the team behind this work.
Contact us to track the 6 case study outcomes for your specific food sub-sector.
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