BLANCA LOPEZ
Julieta Castañeda
Juan Manuel Calderon Contreras
EGADE Business School Tecnologico de Monterrey
Christiane Molina
Keep this story going! Share below!
Ecolab has developed 3D TRASAR™ technology for systems that clean manufacturing equipment on site. Such systems are called Clean-in-Place (CIP). The 3D TRASAR™ technology that integrates advanced digital tools was created to enhance efficiency, achieve consistent cleaning results, and minimize water, energy, and chemicals' consumption. The implementation of this new technology positively impacts businesses compliance and sustainability.
Designed to optimize clean-in-place processes and reduce the amount of water, energy, and chemical products that industries use, 3D TRASAR™ originated as an internal analytical tool at Ecolab but evolved into a breakthrough cleaning technology. According to Rafael Ornelas, Senior Project Manager at Ecolab Mexico: "3D stands for Detect, Determine, and Deliver."
Because the resources and process involved in cleaning machinery in food and beverage industry facilities are critical to obtain safe and secure products and maintaining high standards in their hygiene regime, 3D TRASAR™ constitutes a key tool for ensure food safety.
3D TRASAR™ clean-in-place (CIP) is based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data, which allows it to monitor all the CIPs during the day, all week long. Data from the customer’s industrial network is collected by 3D TRASAR™, encrypted and transmitted to data centers for its subsequent compilation. Once the data is aggregated it is processed by applying complex algorithms to identify patterns and any divergence from predetermined protocols for every CIP. In sum, the technology provides specific information for a better understanding of cleaning process performance, issues and overall compliance or lack of it. But as Rafael Ornelas highlighted, 3D TRASAR™ also creates opportunities for reducing vital resources' waste: "Our system identifies optimization opportunities in clients' cleaning systems, analyzes data for solutions, and provides recommendations to save water, chemicals, and time."
Application of 3D TRASAR™ CIP in the facility of a customer
The inspiration behind 3D TRASAR™ came from a happy accident, as Rafael mentioned — Ecolab initially developed the system to solve an internal analytical issue. The realization that it could be adapted for manufacturing processes, especially CIP, marked a turning point. This discovery underscored the power of data-driven solutions to enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The implementation of 3D TRASAR™ CIP has led to significant efficiency and sustainability gains across industries. Companies using this technology have reported substantial savings:
• Arla Foods (Denmark): Reduced plant waste by over 30% and achieved annual savings of 400,000 euros.
• Kraft Heinz (USA): Decreased natural gas consumption by 4,321 cubic feet, saving 244,000 USD annually.
• Umpqua Dairy (USA): Reduced rinse time and water usage by optimizing wash parameters.
By ensuring thorough cleaning while reducing resource consumption, 3D TRASAR™ CIP helps industries meet environmental goals and regulatory requirements.
Ecolab's 3D TRASAR™ technology provides a competitive edge by differentiating itself in the market, particularly among companies with strong sustainability commitments. The solution enhances operational transparency, allowing businesses to monitor cleaning processes remotely, improve audit readiness, and optimize production efficiency. By minimizing downtime and resource waste, clients gain financial and operational advantages.
Beyond business efficiencies, 3D TRASAR™ CIP contributes to food safety and public health. By ensuring consistent high hygiene standards, it reduces contamination risks, safeguarding consumers from foodborne illnesses. Additionally, its impact on sustainability is profound—reducing water, energy, and chemical usage lowers environmental footprints, benefiting communities where these industries operate.
As industries transition toward digitalization and automation, 3D TRASAR™ exemplifies how technology can drive meaningful change, fostering a future where efficiency, sustainability, and safety converge for a cleaner, safer, and more responsible world.
Get stories of positive business innovations from around the world delivered right to your inbox.
Rafael Ornelas Vicencio, Sr. Project Manager - F&B
Ecolab is a company that leads the market of solutions of water management, hygiene, and infection prevention for the food and beverage industry. Ecolab is committed to support cleaner and safer environments and to make the world healthier by facilitating food safety. With a history spanning over a century, Ecolab continously innovates by integrating sustainability into industrial processes, ensuring that businesses thrive while protecting vital resources.