FrieslandCampina and VITO pioneer sustainable dairy processing with advanced membrane technology
Milk whey, a by-product of cheese and dairy production, is rich in valuable nutrients but presents a processing challenge. Traditional demineralization methods, such as ion exchange (IEX) resins, are increasingly uneconomical due to rising costs for resin regeneration, chemicals, and water.
Future-proof, sustainable and cost-efficient dairy processing
Recognising the challenges faced by the dairy processing industry, FrieslandCampina partnered with VITO to find a smarter, more sustainable solution, leading to the launch of the Mem4SusDiary project.
FrieslandCampina sought to:
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Reduce the high operational costs and environmental impact of IEX-based demineralisation.
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Increase the output of demineralised whey per batch.
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Lower chemical consumption and wastewater generation.
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Future-proof their processes with scalable, energy-efficient technology.
VITO’s approach: tailored ceramic nanofiltration
VITO brought its expertise in membrane technology to the table, focusing on the development of advanced nanofiltration (NF) membranes. Using their patented SI-ATRP surface modification technique, VITO synthesized a range of customised ceramic membranes designed for optimal performance in dairy applications. These membranes were systematically tested and benchmarked against commercial polymeric NF membranes under realistic, industrial conditions.
Key innovations
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High selectivity
The modified ceramic membranes achieved >98% lactose retention and >90% milk protein recovery, while efficiently removing over 50% of salts - matching or outperforming leading polymeric membranes. -
Robustness and cleanability
The selected “HyMem” membrane showed excellent chemical cleanability and maintained >85% flux recovery after repeated filtration and cleaning cycles, crucial for industrial reliability. -
Scalability
VITO successfully scaled up the best-performing membrane from single-tube prototypes to a 19-channel, 50 cm industrial module-a first for this technology.
Concrete results and added value
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Cost Reduction
By partially demineralising whey with the new NF process before IEX, FrieslandCampina can significantly cut chemical and water use, lower wastewater volumes, and reduce the cost per kilogram of product. -
Process Efficiency
The new membrane process enables higher batch outputs, offering flexibility and capacity expansion without major infrastructure changes. -
Sustainability
The process supports FrieslandCampina’s sustainability goals by reducing resource consumption and environmental footprint. -
Replicability
The approach has broad applicability across the dairy industry, accelerating the adoption of membrane filtration for efficient, sustainable processing.
VITO’s role: from lab to industrial reality
As a science-to-technology partner VITO offered more than basic R&D:
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Developed and customised advanced ceramic membranes in-house.
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Provided pilot-scale upscaling and proof-of-concept testing under real-world conditions.
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Delivered detailed sample analysis and a first techno-economic assessment to guide decision-making.
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Supported FrieslandCampina throughout the innovation process, ensuring practical, implementable results.
By combining deep technical expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and a collaborative approach, VITO enabled FrieslandCampina to make a leap forward in both sustainability and cost-efficiency. This partnership demonstrates the power of innovation to future-proof dairy processing and shows how VITO can help other industry leaders achieve similar breakthroughs.
More info
For more information or to discuss how VITO can help optimise your dairy processes, contact our specialist Marzio Monagheddu today.
