Water
Goal: 20% reduction in water use per metric ton of production through reuse and improved techniques by 2015. Progress as of Fiscal 2009:Since 2005, we’ve reduced our water consumption by approximately 15.7% per metric ton of production globally.
Water is a vital resource for all Heinz operations worldwide because it is needed to grow tomatoes and other crops and it is a crucial resource for the manufacturing process. Heinz is implementing water conservation measures to protect one of our earth’s most precious resources.
From recycling water and installing new technologies to fostering the use of drip irrigation in tomato fields and upgrading water treatment plants, Heinz is well on its way to meeting the Company’s goal to reduce water consumption.
Asia/Pacific
Australia
Heinz Australia is taking steps to save water. Approximately 10 million gallons of water are being saved each year as the result of modifications made to manufacturing equipment at the Echuca site, which now utilizes high pressure spray nozzles instead of unrestricted water flow nozzles. In addition, a smart meter has been installed on various lines to deliver real-time water consumption data and detect water leaks.
China
Heinz China implemented successful employee training and water recycling efforts. In Fiscal 2008, all of the water from steam condensate was recycled to reduce water usage and save energy. The facility also uses treated process water to irrigate landscaping to reduce water consumption.
A 10% water savings per unit of finished production was achieved in Fiscal 2009 as a result of training employees on ways to reduce water usage.
China
Discharged wastewater is used to spray the grass and flowers.
Indonesia
Recycling has played a large role in water conservation efforts at Heinz Indonesia. Pallets are cleaned with recycled process water and condensation recovery efforts also are underway.
India
The plant is recovering 60 Kiloliters/day of condensate from the process area and using it in the boiler operation
The factory implemented a program to reuse treated process water outside for irrigation
China
The factory implemented a program to reuse treated process water outside for irrigation.
North America
United States
At the Fremont, Ohio, plant, various modifications are reclaiming product and process equipment cooling water for reuse. The project is saving 165 million gallons of water and 16,000 MMbtus of natural gas per year.
Product cooling water is also being reclaimed at the Massillon, Ohio, factory. The facility installed a water recycling system on its pasta and rice cookers that collects water from the product cooling process, filters the water and redistributes it for the cooling process. The project is expected to save 7.5 million gallons of water annually, per cooker. The Pocatello, Idaho factory is currently developing a similar project for its cookers.
Canada
Several water conservation initiatives were implemented, including:
Continuous Bean Soak
The engineering department optimized the bean processing system to reduce the waste of water and steam. Previously, operators were overflowing water in three separate areas, which ultimately would flow to Heinz’s process water treatment plant. Since this water is 180°F, the cost of the lost water and steam was significant. The variability of the water usage ranged from 75 to 150 gpm. Through training and awareness programs for the area manager and supervisors, they have implemented procedures to ensure that the operators run the equipment in the most efficient manner on an ongoing basis in order to avoid wasting water and steam. The flow now operates at a consistent range.
Horizontal Retorts
Water usage and wasted energy were reduced as a result of this new system. It reclaims heat and uses a cooling tower to increase or decrease water temperatures.
Massillon, Ohio
A water recycling system at our Massillon, Ohio factory is expected to save 22 million gallons of water annually.
Massillon, Ohio
A water recycling system at our Massillon, Ohio factory is expected to save 22 million gallons of water annually.
Massillon, Ohio
A water recycling system at our Massillon, Ohio factory is expected to save 22 million gallons of water annually.
Massillon, Ohio
A water recycling system at our Massillon, Ohio factory is expected to save 22 million gallons of water annually.
Rest of World
Venezuela
Automatic sensors were installed on the cooling water system to operate the vacuum pumps when needed. This resulted in water use only when the system required. Additional water reductions are achieved because the facilities are conducting sustainability trainings to inform employees about conservation and recycling.