Denmark
2002

Process description

The present data refer to milk production in Århus Dairy and Hobro Dairy (Arla Foods) in 2001 to 2002. The main production processes at the two dairies are following: 1) milk from dairy farms is received, 2) the milk is centrifuged and seperated into cream and skim-milk 3) the two fractions are mixed in different ratios depending on desired quality of milk (standardisation) 4) the standardised milk is low pasteurized (heat treatment 72^oC in 15 seconds) and eventually homogenised 5) the milk is paked and stored cool until distribution to consumers. Some cream is converted into butter and buttermilk and some skimmed milk is converted into milkpowder by evaporation in subsequent processes.  Wastewater generated during the process is diverted directly to municipal wastewater treatment. The two dairies are characterised by a high degree of specialisation in milk production for the consumer market (cream, fullmilk, low-fat milk and skimmed milk). All production processes are automatic and modern.
 

Data collection and treatment

Data are derived from Århus and Hobro Dairies' records (Green Accounts 2001/2002). Avarage inputs and outputs per produced unit of milk have been calculated ignoring minor contributions from other products. All products are subject to the same main processes and no differences between products have been considered regarding energy consumption and emissions to water. However, fat-content vary between milk products (see table below) and differences in milk consumption and cream production have been taken into account assuming 4.3% fat content of the fresh cow milk.

Homogenisation requires about 4% of total electricity for milkproduction and diferences between homogenised and non-homogeniosed milk with respect to electricity consumption have been ignored.

Technical scope

Production processes from receival of fresh cow milk to storage of the final product before distribution as well as administration has been included. Packaging, cleaning agents and chemicals are not considered.

Representativity

Similar technology is used in other dairies in Arla. Arla is a major supplier of milk to the danish market and the present data provides a reasonable representation of milk production in Denmark.
 

Validation

Data have been compared with data obtained by Eide (2002) in terms of contributions to environmental impacts. Data on contributions to global warming and photochemical smog formation are at the same level as observed for small dairies whereas results differ quite much for larger dairies. The dairy analyzed here is quite large and the differences can probably be explained by different heat and electricity scenarios but maybe also different production principles.

Inputs and outputs

Inputs and outputs associated with milk production are shown in the table below. Data are provided per kg of milk product (skimmed milk, low-fat milk etc.) at the dairy's gate without packaging.
 

References

Eide MH (2002). Lifecycle assessment (LCA) of industrial milk production. International Journal of Lifecycle assessment. 7 (1) 1-12.

Administrative information

Data URL: http://www.lcafood.dk/processes/industry/milkproduction.html
Version no.: 1.00
Authors: Per H. Nielsen, 2.-0 LCA Consultants
Data entry: Data have been entered in this format by Per H. Nielsen.
Data completed: July 2003.