With more than one third of global greenhouse gas emissions being attributed to food systems1, reducing environmental impact is not just a priority, but a responsibility. The constant evolution of technology, together with evolving and changing rules and regulations around the world, reflects this, but how can businesses impact sustainability without the need to constantly invest in entirely new solutions? The answer could be in finding the right upgrades.
When sustainability is mentioned, people often think purely of environmental performance, but the reality is much bigger. It covers everything from societal impact to economic viability, and it can be a complicated area to navigate, especially with evolving regulations together with global issues and challenges that affect every level of business.
So how can food and beverage producers secure stability and sustainability in uncertain times?
Get more out of your equipment, for longer
Asset lifecycle has a significant impact on sustainability. Firstly, if technology becomes obsolete to the point where a new solution is needed, the older machinery often cannot be reused or repurposed. This is not only material waste, but also economical. Extending the lifecycle of equipment addresses this, and that can be achieved with upgrades.
“Upgrades contribute to sustainability in terms of the lifecycle of the assets,” explains Manual Juncal, Senior Product Manager at Tetra Pak. “If the machine is running well and we can update it, we can extend the lifetime and make the most of the equipment. This also reduces future investments as we don’t have to replace the machines, so it’s more economically sustainable. For example, we have machines that are still operational after 30 or 40 years thanks to upgrades that help them better meet today’s needs”
Prioritising environmental performance
While extending the lifecycle of your equipment is a crucial piece of the sustainability puzzle, upgrades can offer a wide range improvements and optimisations across your entire plant, from reducing resource use to optimising water consumption.
“Where a business is based is often the most important factor, as the local conditions create the demands,” says Juncal. “One area could be experiencing high energy prices, for example, where another could be facing water scarcity. Companies that have a global presence will often have sustainability goals as well, which means environmental sustainability becomes even more of a priority.”
Regulations also play an important part in this regard, as they can change production requirements for businesses. Take, for example, the EU Single-Use Plastic directive, which addresses the issue of plastic litter from caps and lids on beverage containers. These containers must now have tethered caps, which meant many producers needed to invest in solutions capable of producing this new kind of package.
Improving environmental performance offers benefits beyond reducing carbon emissions and cutting waste – it also has a real impact on profitability. Upgrades that reduce energy consumption or help to recycle and reuse more water, for example, reduces the costs associated with these utilities.
How can you choose the optimal upgrades?
“Interest in upgrades comes from a range of places – it can be driven by environmental needs and regulations, or energy prices, or water scarcity, or obsolescence. It depends,” explains Juncal. “It can also be reactive or proactive. We always inform our customers about obsolescence, for example, as they need to be aware, and automation and control systems change fast, so we try to inform the customers of any potential updates far in advance.”
With upgrades available that can have a positive impact on almost every part of production, the key is finding those that will have the most impact while offering a quick payback on investment. To do this, the key is often collaborating with the right solution provider that can guide you towards the right solutions, and proactively formulate an upgrade plan that will make a positive impact, quickly, while giving you the performance you need for the long term.
Planning for sustainable success
A proactive approach to upgrades and performance is key to making the most out of any investment, and with so many opportunities it can be a challenge to find the best way forward. That’s where a collaborative approach is essential.
Every customer is different, too. For one customer, a heat pump may be a key upgrade that helps reduce energy consumption and, in turn, carbon emissions. For another, a switch from direct UHT (Ultra High Temperature) to indirect UHT could be the path to improved profitability and sustainability. There is no one upgrade, or set of upgrades, that will work equally well for every business – a tailored, specific approach is necessary.
“Upgrades can expand capability to meet modern needs,” adds Juncal. “From an environmental perspective, whether energy is a priority, or water recovery, or product waste we can find the solution, and we can help plan the upgrades in the best way that reduces downtime as much as possible. It’s about finding the best solution possible and contributing to our customers’ success.”
1. https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/121cc613-3d0f-431c-b083-cc2031dd8826/content