Recognizing the challenges faced by the dairy processing industry, FrieslandCampina partnered with Vito to find a smarter, more sustainable solution, leading to the launch of the Mem4SusDiary project. 

FrieslandCampina sought to: 

• Reduce the high operational costs and environmental impact of IEX-based demineralisation. 
• Increase the output of demineralized whey per batch. 
• Lower chemical consumption and wastewater generation. 
• Future-proof their processes with scalable, energy-efficient technology. 

Vito's approach: tailored ceramic nanofiltration 

Vito brought its expertise in membrane technology to the table, focusing on the development of advanced nanofiltration (NF) membranes. Using their patented SI-ATRP surface modification technique, Vito synthesized a range of customized ceramic membranes designed for optimal performance in dairy applications. These membranes were systematically tested and benchmarked against commercial polymeric NF membranes under realistic, industrial conditions. 

Key innovations

• High selectivity: The modified ceramic membranes achieved more than 98% lactose retention and more than 90% milk protein recovery, while efficiently removing over 50% of salts - matching or outperforming leading polymeric membranes. 
• Robustness and cleanability: The selected “HyMem” membrane showed excellent chemical cleanability and maintained more than 85% flux recovery after repeated filtration and cleaning cycles, crucial for industrial reliability. 
• Scalability: VITO successfully scaled up the best-performing membrane from single-tube prototypes to a 19-channel, 50 cm industrial module-a first for this technology. 

Concrete results and added value 

• Cost reduction: By partially demineralizing whey with the new NF process before IEX, Friesland Campina can significantly cut chemical and water use, lower wastewater volumes and reduce the cost per kilogram of product.
• Process efficiency: The new membrane process enables higher batch outputs, offering flexibility and capacity expansion without major infrastructure changes.
• Sustainability: The process supports FrieslandCampina's sustainability goals by reducing resource consumption and environmental footprint.
• Replicability: The approach has broad applicability across the dairy industry, accelerating the adoption of membrane filtration for efficient, sustainable processing.

VITO’s role: from lab to industrial reality

As a science-to-technology partner VITO offered more than basic R&D: 

• Developed and customised advanced ceramic membranes in-house. 
• Provided pilot-scale upscaling and proof-of-concept testing under real-world conditions. 
• Delivered detailed sample analysis and a first techno-economic assessment to guide decision-making. 
• Supported FrieslandCampina throughout the innovation process, ensuring practical, implementable results. 

By combining deep technical expertise and a collaborative approach, Vito enabled FrieslandCampina to make a leap forward in both sustainability and cost-efficiency. This partnership demonstrates the power of innovation to future-proof dairy processing and shows how Vito can help others achieve similar breakthroughs. 

Source: Vito; testimonial from Marzio Monagheddu