CHARLOTTE, NC – Process technology equipment maker SPX FLOW, Inc., shared that it is supporting milk fractionation through its APV brand, crediting the company’s dairy experts with innovating to develop a different approach for capturing milk nutrients.

SPX FLOW called the milk separation carried out through its microfiltration, ultrafiltration and nanofiltration equipment a “superior alternative” to whey fractionation in milk processing.

The supplier said its technologies for milk separation may preserve casein, whey proteins, lactose, permeate, minerals and water ingredients. SPX FLOW noted the process is necessary to manufacture nutritious products such as sports supplements, protein bars and infant formula.

"With increasing demand for nutritious drinks and a hyperfocus on sustainability, milk fractionation emerges as a game-changer," said Pranav Shah, SPX FLOW’s global market director, dairy and plant-based beverages. "The innovative solution offers enhanced nutritional value while also maximizing the ingredients in each beverage and dairy product."

Dairy manufacturers in Europe, the company said, already utilize APV's milk fractionation process to convert dry and wet ingredients “into creative recipes.”

In highlighting the benefits of milk fractionation, SPX FLOW pointed out that residual milk components commonly end up wasted in process lines. The equipment manufacturer said its microfiltration, ultrafiltration and nanofiltration solutions allow customers to cut production costs and keep more of each yield. As sustainable practices become more crucial in the dairy industry, the company said its innovation makes it possible to reach “zero waste” in terms of milk’s components.

SPX FLOW mapped out the milk fractionation process, explaining it begins with microfiltration and ultrafiltration. It said producers can control which milk components are separated by selecting the appropriate membrane filter and then keeping as many or few as desired.

The Charlotte, NC-based equipment specialist added that the fractionation process may be used to attain value streams of ideal casein, whey, lactose and permeate, with the option to also fractionate more targeted proteins, such as alfa-lactalbumin.

Per SPX FLOW, producers making use of the milk fractionation process will end up with “higher-value ingredients,” and offer “premium prices” as a result.