Lyras encourages UK dairies to adopt sustainability practices
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The UK dairy industry is facing a financial squeeze. This summer, reports showed that the industry is seeing a drop in demand for dairy products as a result of a global oversupply, which will soon become a problem reflected on supermarket shelves and impact consumers across the UK.
Recent falls in milk prices have previously been attributed to the “spring flush” – when cows naturally produce more milk as they are let out into fields – leading to oversupply. Yet with retailers set to slash the price of milk, plus soaring industry energy bills and rampant labour shortages, milk processing lines need to be doing more to ensure they cut waste costs and save every penny to remain agile.
Mark Andersen, CCO of Lyras, a Danish company specialising in sustainable pasteurisation technology, commented. “The UK dairy industry is facing significant challenges, where intervention is needed to cut waste costs and streamline processing lines. Dairy producers must find ways to reduce the cost of their operations as soon as possible in order to respond to slashed consumer prices.
“In recent years, renewable processing technology has become a reliable alternative to more traditional processing methods. However, the dairy industry remains conservative when it comes to abandoning tried and tested methods for a modern, future-proof alternative. Despite their chosen methods lasting for hundreds of years, producers should not be afraid to turn to a newer, cleaner alternative, especially when the threat of an industry-wide squeeze might push out those unwilling to adapt and eclipse smaller dairies entirely.
“Renewable technology used in the production and treatment of dairy products aids in reducing operational costs, meaning production lines have a greater processing efficiency and can be more financially flexible in the long-term. Ultimately, dairy producers, like any other business, need to act in their best interests to protect themselves, and using sustainable methods means protecting the planet while future-proofing themselves during times of difficulty.”