Heinz spills the beans on emissions success

Date: 18/08/2010

Energy use and carbon emissions have been slashed at factories producing Heinz Beanz, soups and pasta, according to a joint announcement from Heinz and the Carbon Trust.

Carbon dioxide emissions at Heinz’s UK factories in Kendal, Cumbria and Kitt Green, near Wigan, have been cut by over 17,000 tonnes over the last four years. That’s equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from heating more than seven hundred million microwave meals, or from taking around 6,000 cars off the road for a year.

The carbon savings were achieved by conducting a detailed study of Heinz’s production lines to understand how energy was being used. Heinz’s energy managers working with Carbon Trust experts found that a great deal of energy was needed to heat cold water to rehydrate the dried beans. Energy is also needed to create the steam that cooks the beans in their cans.

Capturing and recycling the waste heat from these processes means that less energy is now needed to heat the water, which in turn has led to a drop in carbon emissions. Lower carbon emissions also means lower energy bills and Heinz has saved over 13% of its annual energy costs in its Kitt Green food processing complex alone over the last two years.

“There are huge opportunities to save energy and cut carbon emissions by changing the way we manufacture everyday products,” says Hugh Jones, director of solutions at the Carbon Trust. “Re-engineering production lines to be less energy hungry is one of our most important industrial challenges.”

“As well as seeing some impressive results in the UK, we are successfully applying what we’ve learned across our global operations,” adds Dave Woodward, president of Heinz UK and Ireland.”

Back to News

FDF issues angry response to labelling vote
Date: 03/02/2012
The European Parliament has blocked changes to labelling that would have allowed new... more >

Brewery staff drink to success
Date: 02/02/2012
A fast-expanding Cornish brewery exceeded £4 million (€4.8m) sales for the... more >

Bakery enzyme range uses its loaf
Date: 27/01/2012
Industrial bread is taken to the next level of freshness with the launch of the broadest... more >

More women in the driving seat
Date: 27/01/2012
The number of women holding senior positions in the transport and logistics sector has... more >

Vitafoods Europe plans 15th anniversary celebration

Date: 25/01/2012
Nutraceuticals, raw materials and functional food and drink ingredients show Vitafoods... more >

Fresh food frozen out
Date: 24/01/2012
Taste tests commissioned by the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) have revealed that... more >

Latest Issue

DECEMBER/JANUARY

Star performers
Why the preservatives market is built to last

Perfect vision
The facts on foreign body contamination

Backing business
Supplier profiles 2012