We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint through the efficient use of natural resources and by minimizing or preventing pollution and reducing waste. We have a broad range of programs underway at all of our manufacturing sites. Here are some examples.
Our Sacramento, California, facility installed a high-efficiency climate control system that has reduced overall energy consumption and lowered emissions.
Lean manufacturing has been introduced throughout our operations. Projects are aimed at streamlining manufacturing methods to maximize value and minimize waste.
The project saved 22,662,341 MJ* of nonrenewable energy annually, which is equivalent to saving 171,740 gallons of gasoline each year. The project reduced annual CO2 emissions by 1,628 metric tons*, which is equivalent to removing 352 cars off the road annually**.
Programs have been introduced at all plants to reduce, reuse or recycle all materials used in the facility. This includes reusing and recycling pallets, end plates, cores, outer boxes and bins.
At Sacramento, waste generated during the bag-making process has been reduced by 50%. Our Ashland, Ohio, plant has achieved significant waste reductions in its tube extrusion, lamination and bag lines.
We are replacing corrugated boxes for beverage bags with corrugated totes. The tote holds twice as many bags, reducing the amount of cardboard to be recycled and lessening transportation impact on the environment.
*Based on electricity savings quantified over several months by the utility provider, SMUD. The primary nonrenewable energy and CO2 savings were evaluated using the average U.S. electricity grid data.
**Data Source: http://www.p2pays.org/ref/20/19353.pdf
