More efficient cleaning while conserving resources: New water-saving solution now available for GEA milking systems
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GEA now offers a new option for its DairyRotor models that reduces freshwater consumption during cleaning by up to 30 %. The feature maintains hygiene and cleaning performance and is available for new installations as well as retrofitting existing systems.
New option for GEA DairyRotor T8600, T8900 and as retrofit
More efficient cleaning while conserving resources: New water-saving solution now available for GEA milking systems
Düsseldorf (Germany), November 11, 2025 – With the new water-saving solution for the GEA DairyRotor T8600 and T8900, GEA offers a targeted expansion of cleaning processes in line with sustainable resource use. The solution enables savings of up to 30% in freshwater consumption – while maintaining the same cleaning performance and hygiene. It is available as an option for new systems and can be retrofitted to existing systems.
Technical concept: Reuse of post-rinse water
The core of the new function is the reuse of the post-rinse water for the subsequent pre-rinsing process. In addition to the software-supported adjustment of the cleaning process, an additional collection tank is installed for this purpose. The system is available in two versions:
- Pump solution: Actively pumps the water into the rinse tank.
- Gravity solution: Uses an elevated container system – space-saving and without moving components.
The system is supplemented by advanced valve and pipe technology that feeds the post-rinse water into the reuse cycle in a targeted and safe manner. A prerequisite for use is the use of fresh water without cleaning agents or disinfectants.
Sustainability with a system: TÜV-validated and measurable
The new function is part of the GEA Add Better portfolio. Solutions with this label have been proven to reduce the consumption of resources such as water and energy and are validated by TÜV Rheinland, a global leader in independent testing, inspection and certification services. This results in concrete advantages for agricultural businesses:
- Reduced freshwater requirements
- Lower storage and storage capacity requirements
- Less wastewater and lower disposal costs
Broad target group – also for existing systems
The solution is suitable for farms of all sizes – especially where water resources are scarce or expensive, or where legal requirements for resource conservation apply. Farms under economic pressure also benefit from lower operating costs with the same cleaning quality.
GEA also offers the retrofit option for existing group parlors and DairyRotors such as washer Sinetherm, Compass Plus and RCU-Washer of the DairyRotor T8900 with Dematron control. A heating element is available as an option, enabling an energy-efficient pre-rinse cycle with preheated water – for both new and existing systems.
About the new GEA DigiTron digital control system for DairyRotors
The new water-saving solution is fully compatible with the GEA DigiTron control unit, which was introduced at the beginning of the year with the DairyRotor T8600. DigiTron enables precise control of the milking process directly at the animal, offers intuitive operation, robust hardware, and easy maintenance. Through connection to the central GEA DairyNet software platform, milking, cleaning, and maintenance processes can be networked and analyzed system-wide. DigiTron is modularly scalable and suitable for a wide range of farm sizes and automation levels.
Pic. 1: The new water-saving solution for GEA’s DairyRotor T8600 and T8900 milking carousels reduces freshwater consumption by up to 30% – while maintaining the same hygiene and cleaning performance. Source: GEA
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Contact Media Relations GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft Lilian Schmalenstroer Ulmenstr. 99, 40476 Düsseldorf, Germany Phone +49 211 9136-2090 lilian.schmalenstroer@gea.com
About GEA
GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. The international technology group, founded in 1881, focuses on machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. For instance, every second pharma separator for essential healthcare products such as vaccines or novel biopharmaceuticals is produced by GEA. In food, every fourth package of pasta or every third chicken nugget are processed with GEA technology. With more than 18,000 employees, the group generated revenues of about EUR 5.5 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2024 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customers’ production. They contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, plastic usage and food waste. In doing so, GEA makes a key contribution toward a sustainable future, in line with the company’s purpose: ”Engineering for a better world.”
GEA is listed on the DAX, the STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is also a constituent of the leading sustainability indices DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability and Dow Jones Best-in-Class World.
More information can be found online at gea.com.
About the GEA Foundation
The GEA Foundation, established in 2025 by GEA Group, supports global and local projects in STEM education, child poverty reduction, infrastructure access and disaster relief. Through its Mission 30 strategy, GEA commits to donating one percent of annual net profit to build resilient communities.
More information can be found online at gea.com/foundation.

