CHARLOTTE, NC – Process technology equipment maker SPX FLOW, Inc., picked up a 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Award in the sustainable product category for its APV Aseptic Rapid Recovery System (ARRS).

SPX FLOW, which developed ARRS for the dairy and food and beverage industries, said the innovative aseptic pigging technology recaptures product waste, reduces water usage and shortens clean in place (CIP) time.

The machinery manufacturer said ARRS uses a patented rubber, tight-fitting projectile that makes its way through processing lines to scrape and recover residual product.

"We are honored to receive the Sustainable Product Award, which reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship," said Pranav Shah, SPX FLOW global market director, dairy and plant based beverages. "This award motivates us to continue innovating and creating products that make a positive impact on our planet."

While engineering the ARRS, SPX FLOW said the goal was to develop “a cleaner, safer and more productive” solution than anything available on the market at that time.

The company said its ARRS reduces product loss from 4% to 0.5% by collecting leftover dairy yield within the process piping, with an estimated 87% advancement in product savings.

SPX FLOW noted that keeping dairy products at ambient temperatures and maintaining long shelf-life attributes requires special processing throughout.

Matt Harney, founder of the environmental advocacy SEAL Awards, said the ARRS innovation delivers a tangible sustainable impact by “significantly reducing product waste, water usage and cleaning time in the production of sensitive dairy and personal care products.”

Harney added: “The ability to use 60 to 70% less water during cleaning cycles compared to traditional methods was a key factor in awarding SPX FLOW a 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Award.”