RESPONSIBLE
SPILL REMEDIATION
IN THE FOOD & BEV INDUSTRY
Cleaning spills to NSF & OMRI Standards
While Remaining Environmentally & Fiscally Sound
Responsible Spill Remediation in the Food & Bev Industry 2
Phone: 919.535.8278 Contact Us Website: www.spillfix.com
There are two major arenas in which food & beverage product handling will take
place: processing and distribution. As with all product handling scenarios, spills are
an inevitable occurrence within both of these spaces.
In the presence of products produced for human consumption, the methods for
spill remediation should become subject to more stringent review, to eliminate the
possibility of contamination. The potential contamination scenarios vary greatly
between the processing and distribution spaces. The risk of direct contact with the
food and beverage products is much higher in the production spaces than within
the distribution spaces, where food is already enclosed and packaged for shipment.
Varying levels of risk aside, the mitigation of potential contamination scenarios
remains a priority in both realms.
There are several prominent spill remediation tactics currently being used within the
food and beverage industry. The most commonly used tactics are: loose, clay-based
absorbent; absorbent booms/mats; loose, paper-based absorbent; and in some
cases, mop and soap water. While existing as the industry standards, these products
are not without their limitations in terms of both environmental and fiscal efficiency.
Manufacturers and distributors should be offered spill remediation options that not
only adhere to food-safety standards, but are also designed with quality and overall
employee and consumer safety in mind. Maintenance is an essential link in the food
production chain, and as this chain becomes more complex and policies become
more stringent, spill-remediation products need to meet the standards, policies, and
needs of end-users head on.
Assuming that food safety is of the highest priority when evaluating spill remediation
products. This white paper will:
Review an organic
alternative that serves
as an industry disruptor.
Explore two of the
major certifications and
standards systems that
are related to food safety
(OMRI & NSF).
Touch on the ways
in which current
industry-standard spill
remediation tactics fare
within those contexts.
Introduction
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
I.
Responsible Spill Remediation in the Food & Bev Industry 3
Phone: 919.535.8278 Contact Us Website: www.spillfix.com
By definition, organic products are “produced without using most conventional
pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge;
bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.” (Source: USDA.gov)
Studies have shown that organic crops have a suite of advantages over their
conventional counterparts, with pesticide residues reduced by 3-4 times in
comparison to non-organic crops. (Source: Washington State University)
Where products created for human consumption are concerned, the usage of
organic products would be of the utmost benefit to both production manufacturers
and distributors – thereby eliminating potential chemical contamination and
unnecessary exposure to additional potentially unsafe residues.
The Organic Materials Review Institute, “supports organic integrity by developing clear
information and guidance about materials, so that producers know which products
are appropriate for organic operations”
The OMRI vision is to create “A world where all people trust and rely on organic
practices to create healthy food, fiber, soil, water, air, animals, and people.”
To have a product listed as an “OMRI listed product” the product must undergo
technical review and be compliant with organic standards. The OMRI Listed Seal
“assures the suitability of products for certified organic production, handling, and
processing”
There are currently only 35 absorbents that meet OMRI standards, and are listed as
OMRI certified (with and without restrictions). (Source: OMRI)
Organic Products & The Organic
Materials Review (OMRI) Listing
6.
9.
7.
10.
8.
11.
12.
II.
Responsible Spill Remediation in the Food & Bev Industry 4
Phone: 919.535.8278 Contact Us Website: www.spillfix.com
The NSF (formerly known as the National Sanitation Foundation) provides public
health and safety guidelines that are followed closely by manufacturers, regulators,
and consumers alike.
The NSF Mission is to protect and improve global human health; they follow the
American National Standards Institute development process to create standards that
“protect the world’s food, water, consumer products and environment”
Products that receive NSF certification meet the strict standards and procedures
imposed by the NSF. Not only are the products and materials tested and analyzed
extensively to prove that they meet certification criteria, the production/processing
facilities are routinely evaluated as well.
Products and systems that have been NSF certified for use around food processing
and warehousing inherently provide greater versatility for end users in terms of
safety and range of application, thereby improving environmental and fiscal impact
for end users.
The Public Health and Safety
Organization - NSF Standards
III.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Responsible Spill Remediation in the Food & Bev Industry 5
Phone: 919.535.8278 Contact Us Website: www.spillfix.com
In food production and processing spaces, spill remediation options are limited.
Loose products, such as clay-based absorbent are a non-viable option due to
potential carcinogenic (non-NSF certified) airborne dust contamination. The current
industry standard (and previously the only feasible) option for spill clean-up
within food processing facilities are spill containment mats and booms followed by
mopping with hot water and food-safe cleanser. These combined tactics provide
low-risk spill containment, but are neither OMRI or NSF certified.
Within the distribution arena, there are multiple opportunities for liquid-based spills.
These accidents often occur due to human error, and will coincide with the active
transportation of the food and/or beverage goods. Within distribution centers, it is
the industry standard to use clay-based spill remediation products. These areas are
not held to the more stringent standards of actual food processing environments, as
food and beverage products are typically sealed for transport in distribution spaces.
From an environmental and health perspective the clay-based absorbents are
extremely hazardous.
Clay-based products emit silica dust,
which is “hazardous when very small
(respirable) particles are inhaled”
(Source: osha.gov). Frequent exposure
to, and inhalation of silica dust can have
debilitating, and potentially fatal effects on
the human body. Continued exposure can
lead to silicosis, which “can appear from a
few weeks to many years after exposure
to silica dust. Symptoms typically worsen
over time as scarring in the lungs occurs.”
(Source: lung.org).
Current State of Spill
Remediation in the Food &
Beverage Industry
IV.
17.
18.
19.
Responsible Spill Remediation in the Food & Bev Industry 6
Phone: 919.535.8278 Contact Us Website: www.spillfix.com
Clay-based products and containment/absorption mats contribute to an
increasingly unsustainable waste stream. Two factors come into play when evaluating
the waste produced by the two most commonly-used means of spill remediation:
absorption efficiency and hazardous-waste classifications.
From an efficiency standpoint, both clay-based products and absorption mats/
booms require a large quantity of absorption product to completely clean up a spill in
comparison to the amount of spilled product actually being absorbed. This poor ratio
coupled with potential end-users misuse creates excessive amounts of waste materials
to dispose of.
From the disposal standpoint, both the clay-based products and the containment
mats require hazardous waste disposal. Neither absorbent product possesses full
encapsulation capabilities, which means they carry the potential to leach the product
they were used to absorb. To avoid potential landfill and environmental contamination,
the most commonly used absorbent materials are packed into hazardous waste drums
that require additional shipment and managing – increasing the end user’s carbon
footprint and waste output.
SpillFix is a naturally organic, dust-free, and silica-free absorption product.
Naturally derived from coconut fibers, this coir-pith product is both food safe, NSF
Certified, and OMRI listed for organic use. This means that this product is safe for use
in both food processing spaces as well as distribution centers - virtually eliminating
the need for multiple absorbents.
Financially & Environmentally
Sustainable Absorbent Provides
NSF Certified & OMRI Listed
Alternative to Industry Standard
Products
V.
Chemical reactions between organic waste and the absorption materials have also
been documented as combustion hazards, and have led to fires on both facility grounds
and landfills.
20.
21.
Responsible Spill Remediation in the Food & Bev Industry 7
Phone: 919.535.8278 Contact Us Website: www.spillfix.com
The SpillFix product possesses total encapsulation abilities that lend itself to both
environmental and fiscal efficiency. The organic compound contains a capillary
system which acts as micro sponges that completely contain any liquid that the
product comes into contact with.
When fully-saturated, it can be
packed up cleanly into a dense
mass that can then immediately
be disposed of in standard waste
receptacles; no hazardous waste
removal is necessary.
22.
23. Environmental Sustainability
Reduced Flammability – As previously
reported, there have been reported
cases of organic waste reacting
with clay-based absorbents and
containment mats while contained in
hazardous waste drums – leading to
combustion and fire on facility grounds.
SpillFix has passed a standardized
test (Burning Rate Test as per
Clause 33.2.1.4.3.2 in the UN
Recommendations) to be classified
as a non-readily combustible solid.
When tested against a competitor,
SpillFix absorbed oil more effectively
while maintaining combustion/flame
resistance. (Source: BTU Analysis &
Flammability Report)
Landfill Safe – Within the food and
beverage industry, organic matter
(i.e.: blood) is often considered
hazardous waste. These spills and their
remediation materials are required
by law to be removed via hazardous
waste disposal, and are not allowed on
regular landfill sites. However, SpillFix
total encapsulation abilities passed
the EPA limits dictating which product
can be used to clean up chemicals
and disposed of out without any
special treatment.*
(Source: Spillfix Landfill Leachate
Report)
Responsible Spill Remediation in the Food & Bev Industry 8
Phone: 919.535.8278 Contact Us Website: www.spillfix.com
AMOUNT OF ABSORBENT PRODUCT REQUIRED
Before Adoption of SpillFix:
Ventura operations management
was previously required to keep a
full skid of clay based absorbent in
their maintenance area. This typically
meant bringing in a brand-new, full,
skid of product once a month
(~ 12 skids a year).
With Adoption of SpillFix:
Ventura operations management has
only had to purchase 2 skids over the
time span of 12 months. This is an 83%
reduction in the amount of absorbent
product used and/or required by the
Ventura team.
Food manufacturer and supplier, Ventura Foods, has long been tasked with
finding spill solutions for both maintenance shops and Bulk Oil Department since
conception. Prior to adopting the SpillFix product in 2017, Ventura Foods was using
several different absorbents to handle the needs of the various spaces. Clay-based
absorbents and loose paper absorbents were used in their distribution warehouses,
up until a group lead within the Distribution Center asked that research be done to
find a more effective and efficient product.
With the adoption of SpillFix, Ventura Foods is able to use the naturally organic
product in both their maintenance shops and Bulk Oil Department, and has been
able to generate significant savings and overall efficiency within their facilities. The
following are examinations of the areas in which Ventura Foods has seen sustainable
improvements due to the implementation of SpillFix:
(Fiscal) Sustainability Case
Study - Ventura Foods
VI.
Responsible Spill Remediation in the Food & Bev Industry 9
Phone: 919.535.8278 Contact Us Website: www.spillfix.com
REDUCTION OF PROFITS LOST (VIA LABOR)
With the use
of SpillFix
absorbent, these
same spills can
be contained
within 15
minutes.
With clay-
based and
paper-based
absorbents, the
average spill
would require
1.5 hours to be
contained by
2-3 employees.
This means that
every spill would
cost Ventura
Foods about
$113 in lost/
misplaced
labor.
With the
implementation
SpillFix, spills can
be cleaned by
a 1 employee
in about 15
minutes,
bringing the
lost labor costs
down to about
$6.25.
In 2015, Ventura Foods
of oily rags
and absorbent.
In 2016, Ventura Foods
of the same oily rags and
absorbent throughout
the course of the year
In 2017, Ventura Foods
of any SpillFix
absorbent product.
HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL
paid to
dispose of
7 drums
paid to
dispose of
6 drums
has not
had to pay
for disposal
REDUCTION OF TIME LOST
Ventura Foods distribution employees
have noted that the average oil spill
can be up to about 35lbs of oil, as
containers may rupture in transport.
With the use of previous absorbent
products (clay & paper) spills would
take upwards of 1.5 hours to be
contained.
With the use of SpillFix absorbent, these
same spills can be contained within
15 minutes.
Responsible Spill Remediation in the Food & Bev Industry 10
Phone: 919.535.8278 Contact Us Website: www.spillfix.com
SpillFix absorbent provides a food-safe, NSF and OMRI-certified alternative to the
current mainstays of spill remediation in the Food and Beverage industry. Where
loose clay and paper based absorbents, and containment mats fall short in terms of
financial and environmental sustainability, SpillFix provides a cost effective, highly-
efficient solution that is safe to use within both food processing and distribution
spaces. For more information, please visit SpillFix.com.
ConclusionVII.
SpillFix Industrial Organic Absorbent instantly absorbs any liquid spill on contact, so
spill areas can be cleaned up with minimum downtime and the area immediately
rendered safe.
SpillFix Industrial Absorbent is organic, nontoxic and completely safe to handle.
SpillFix will not leach out the absorbed hydrocarbon liquids, making it landfill safe.
SpillFix will take up to 85% less time to cleanup a spill compared with clay based
absorbents. That means a lot less downtime and less wasted man-hours.
SpillFix-it with less! With SpillFix, nearly 80% less product is required as compared with
clay based absorbents. Due to its super absorbency, SpillFix can often be used for
more than one spill.
SpillFix has an environmental lifecycle second to none. It creates less waste and is
landfill safe, providing lower disposal cost with no environmental impact.
About Us
180 Towerview Court
Cary North Carolina 27513 United States
Tel: 919.535.8278 Fax: 919.535.8607
Contact Us View our Resource Library
