Azura Associates

8 9 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11 AZURA ASSOC I ATES “In North America, we have freezing winters,” Ellis explains. “If whatever a client puts in the digester tends to dry out in the summer, it freezes into a giant block of ice in winter. How do you get a giant block of ice into a digester? In this case, we recommend breaking it into smaller pieces using earth-moving equipment.” In some cases, Azura acts as a ‘Project Pathfinder,’ helping the client get from where they are to the desired destination. “Most clients know what they want to achieve but do not have the processes to get them there. It is like seeing a river in the distance and knowing where it is, but a forest lies before you, and you are not sure how to get through it.” Ellis works with a small team of subject-matter experts at Azura and explains that this works well because waste management deals with the same bacteria and processes regardless of the industry. “Bacteria that make methane from food waste are the same bacteria found at the bottom of swamps and rivers worldwide,” says Ellis. “So, whether you are a vegetable, meat, or prepared food processor, our team has the expertise to develop waste management solutions for you.” Besides developing process solutions, Ellis’ team helps clients navigate the waste management technology landscape, a challenge most face due to many options. “Clients now come to us more educated due to the Internet, but this access to information has also flooded them with options, which makes it difficult for them to pick the right technology for their needs.” “We help them sift through the options and understand what will work best for them. It is like buying a car. There are thousands of options, but not all will work for you just because it is a car. If you are in Arizona, you need a super-