A shared vision for sustainability supporting fonterra's path to net-zero emissions
The challenges
Fonterra, a leading global dairy company, aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Pyrotek was consulted to help accomplish this by designing and manufacturing bespoke thermal covers for their Edendale site in Southland, New Zealand. Our thermal covers play a crucial role in improving energy efficiency and insulating critical equipment at the site, essential for minimising thermal loss and enhancing safety. This project supports Fonterra’s ambitious sustainability goals and roadmap to a more environmentally responsible future.
The solutions
Dairy factories operate processes that demand high energy consumption, with systems running at elevated temperatures. The Edendale plant processes up to 15 million litres of milk daily, requiring a reliable energy supply critical to meet operational demands. Fonterra, transitioning away from coal to provide their thermal energy needs, requires significant investment in reliable energy management solutions. To address these needs, Pyrotek designed and manufactured over 150 thermal covers, 18 of which were standard valve covers, with the remaining covers fully customised to specifications. These tailored thermal covers effectively insulate the large-scale number of boilers and dryers on site. By stabilising temperatures and lowering energy consumption, they enable the facility to operate more efficiently. This reduction in energy usage leads to lower costs, ongoing savings, and a decreased carbon footprint.
Our thermal covers improve safety on site by maintaining surface temperatures, providing additional layers of protection. Fabricated from durable materials that withstand the rigorous demands of the dairy processing environment, our effective insulation helps equipment operate at optimal levels, reducing wear and tear caused by fluctuating temperatures. Additionally, thermal covers provide easy maintenance access, resulting in less downtime for cleaning, repairs, or inspections, further improving operational efficiency.
The results
As Fonterra works towards its sustainability goals, Pyrotek is proud to share a vision for a greener future by providing thermal solutions designed to meet unique specifications. With our thermal covers in place, the external temperature at Fonterra’s Edendale site dropped from an intense 250°C to just 35.71°C—an impressive result that Pyrotek estimates achieves 90% thermal efficiency, significantly enhancing overall performance.
Following the success of our thermal covers at the Edendale site, Fonterra has recognised the need and requested our bespoke thermal solutions at additional site locations. With this project on the map and more on the horizon, we are honoured to align with a partnership that shares a commitment to advancing sustainable practices across the industry.
