Abstract
Pressure-driven membrane separation processes are commonly used in cheese milk standardization. Using ultrafiltration (UF) or microfiltration (MF), membrane separation processes make it possible to concentrate the milk proteins and increase the yields of cheese vats. However, the contribution of membrane separation processes to the environmental impact and economical profitability of dairy processes is still unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of membrane separation processes to the eco-efficiency of cheddar cheese production in Québec (Canada) using process simulation. Three scenarios were compared: two included UF or MF at the cheese milk standardization step, and one did not incorporate membrane separation processes. The results showed that even if membrane separation processes make it possible to increase vat yields, they do not improve the eco-efficiency of cheddar cheese processes. However, membrane separation processes may benefit the eco-efficiency of the process more when used for byproduct valorization.
Highlights
Pressure-driven membrane separation processes are widely used in the dairy industry
Environmental impact and economic profitability are the two dimensions taken into account in the eco-efficiency (EE)
The masses of cheddar were similar for the three scenarios, with a global yield of about 107 kg of cheddar produced per ton of raw milk processed
Summary
Pressure-driven membrane separation processes are widely used in the dairy industry. They allow for the concentration and purification of most dairy fluid components and enable the production of many high-value-added dairy products and ingredients [1,2,3]. Even though they improve manufacturing yields and produce high-priced ingredients, membrane separation processes water and energy and generates byproducts. There are no available studies on the implications of membrane separation processes on the environmental impacts and economic profitability of dairy processes. Environmental impact and economic profitability are the two dimensions taken into account in the eco-efficiency (EE)
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