In pursuit of premium milk quality and safer working conditions, many farmers are now exploring innovative ways to improve their cleaning systems.
One emerging solution gaining attention is solid cleaning technology from Ecolab – a new approach that offers operational simplicity, environmental benefits, and improved staff safety without compromising on hygiene standards. For Southern Farmers farm manager JP Jackson, the shift started with a challenge: simplify plant and vat cleaning while improving staff safety and maintaining top-tier hygiene standards.
“The solid dispenser unit is easy to operate using the touchscreen. The new unit prevents us from pressing the incorrect buttons. It’s much safer since there’s no direct contact with the chemicals,” says JP.
This seemingly small change has delivered significant results. Traditional cleaning systems often require handling hazardous liquids and managing multiple containers. By contrast, the new solid cleaning system removes many of these risks altogether. Pre-measured, compact, and securely packaged, the solid capsules are not only easier to store and transport, they’re also much safer to use.
More than just safety - It’s a smarter way to clean
For many farmers, the real value of switching to solids comes from more than just safety. The operational benefits – fewer spills, quicker cleans, and less manual handling – add to more time in the paddock and less stress in the shed. Louie Eric Dela Cruz, another farm manager who recently adopted the system, says he was initially sceptical, but the results quickly won him over.
“After a few days, I was very happy with the results. It became much easier and safer to add chemicals to the wash tub. The inside of the vat has never been cleaner than after an alkali wash,” Louie says.
Improved cleanliness isn’t just about hygiene – it can also mean better milk quality and greater confidence when audit season rolls around.
A win for the environment
Beyond performance and simplicity, the shift to solid cleaning solutions also clearly brings environmental gains – something that’s becoming increasingly important on farms across the country. Unlike traditional liquids, solid cleaners come in lightweight packaging that reduces plastic waste and requires less fuel to transport. That means fewer containers manufactured and a lighter footprint across the supply chain. The boxes are easy to stack, reducing on-farm storage needs and making it easier to keep chemical areas tidy and compliant.
“It’s great knowing we’re doing the right thing for our staff and the environment. It just makes sense,” says Louie.
A future-focused choice
With milk processors, regulators, and consumers emphasising environmental credentials and workplace safety, farmers like JP and Louie are proving that innovation doesn’t have to be complex – it just has to work. By choosing a solution that’s safer for people, better for milk quality, and lighter on the planet, they show that smart farm choices can deliver real benefits daily.
Ecolab Solids may be the next step worth considering for those exploring new ways to improve cleaning practices without compromising on quality and improving safety and environmental footprints along the way.
To find out more, contact your local TSR or visit your local Farm Source store.
Article supplied by Ecolab