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YOUNG'S at Grimsby has revealed that it is producing 16 per cent less carbon dioxide per ton of production than two years ago - thanks to a sustained focus on enviuronmental improvement.
In 2008 the business launched a comprehensive new action plan to tackle every aspect of environmental performance in Young’s factory operations. To date this has already achieved striking reductions in water and energy use as well as putting the operation on course to beat its own target of zero packaging and food waste to landfill by the end of 2012 – with 99 per ent of waste already being recycled or reused.
This focus on operational improvement reflects the broader 'Food For Life' environmental approach adopted for all European operations of the Findus Group (Young’s parent company) and which also includes the award-winning 'Fish For Life' programme for seafood sustainability.
Key achievements in Grimsby to date include (measured against 2007 as a base year)
Water consumption reduced by 30 per cent
* Reduction in electricity use of 7 per cent
* Reduction in use of gas by 5 per cent
* Reduction of 16 percent in CO² per tonne of production
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The company says each individual achievement has been brought about by a combination of diligent management, tight process control and the implementation of new procedures. Environmental teams in the factories drive continuous improvement and provide dedicated resources to ensure that best practice, strategic focus and knowledge are shared between manufacturing units. The carbon footprint of the operation is measured on a monthly basis against tough reduction targets and progress reviewed by senior management via quarterly reviews and an annual report.
One simple illustration of the success of this structured approach has been in the area of lighting. Starting last year, a review of every aspect of operational lighting resulted in the installation of energy efficient tubes and lamps plus passive detection systems to turn off lighting when not required. This simple but thorough program is on its own expected to produce a CO² reduction of 300 tonnes per annum for the business.
Steve Lidgett, operations director for Young’s in Grimsby said: “Our environmental action plan shows quite clearly what it is possible to achieve just by setting tough targets and being systematic about how you intend to reach them."
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