Safer and smarter dairy hygiene
A game-changing innovation using a solid block of chemical rather than heavy liquid drums tackles lots of challenges of traditional liquid systems such as enhancing worker safety and reducing environmental impact.
The new cleaning innovation from Ecolab has seen a waitlist from farmers wanting to get their hands on the practical and sustainable new alternative to traditional liquid systems, as they can see the benefits in the improvement of on-farm safety and simplifying operations.
For Southern Farmers Manager JP Jackson, the switch to Ecolab’s solid cleaning system was driven by a desire to streamline vat and plant cleaning without sacrificing hygiene standards.
“The solid dispenser unit is easy to operate using the touchscreen. It’s much safer since there’s no direct contact with the chemicals,” he explains.
With built-in safety features and pre-measured solid capsules, the system reduces risks associated with handling hazardous liquids – while also cutting down on spills and storage clutter. The technology isn’t just safer; it’s smarter. Traditional cleaning often requires multiple containers, manual dosing, and hands-on oversight. In contrast, solid capsules come securely packaged and are easier to handle, transport, and store. That means less time managing chemicals and more time focusing on what matters most – running a productive, efficient farm.
Louie Eric Dela Cruz, another farm manager who recently adopted the system, admits he was initially sceptical. “After a few days, I was very happy with the results,” he says. “It became much easier and safer to add chemicals to the wash tub. The inside of the vat has never been cleaner than after an alkali wash.” For Louie, better cleanliness translated directly into improved milk quality – and greater peace of mind during audits.
Beyond operational benefits, the environmental advantages are clear. Ecolab’s solid system uses minimal packaging, significantly reducing plastic waste with the canisters recyclable at Agrecovery drop-offs at your rural supply store. The compact design means fewer deliveries and less fuel used in transport. On farm, tidy storage and a reduced chemical footprint make compliance easier and align with growing consumer and regulatory expectations.
While not every farm will move to solids overnight, early adopters say the system is worth exploring – especially for those looking to streamline operations and meet evolving safety and environmental standards. The technology isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about making existing processes easier and safer to manage.
With processors and industry bodies prioritising safety and sustainability, Ecolab’s solid cleaning solution offers a tangible way to meet today’s standards while preparing for tomorrow’s demands.
Visit en-nz.ecolab.com
