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Heinz is implementing water conservation measures to achieve a 20% reduction in water use per metric ton of production through reuse and improved techniques by 2015 |
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Background
Sustainability is a key ingredient at Heinz. As the original Pure Food Company, Heinz is dedicated to the sustainable health of people, the planet and the company.
Since water is vital to growing and processing tomatoes and other crops, Heinz believes it is important to conserve this essential resource for future generations and to help guarantee that they have the water they need to operate well into the future.
Heinz is implementing water conservation measures to achieve a 20% reduction in water use per metric ton of production through reuse and improved techniques by 2015.
How the issue was tackled
Heinz is recycling water and installing new technologies to foster the use of drip irrigation in tomato fields and upgrading water treatment plants.
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Example of drip irrigation |
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Heinz’s work in sustainable agriculture includes collaborating with suppliers around the world to implement water conservation initiatives, particularly drip irrigation methods that are substantially reducing crop-production water usage in North America, Europe and Australia. Drip irrigation delivers a steady supply of moisture close to the ground to nourish plants, resulting in slower evaporation and lower overall water usage.
Heinz’s water conservation techniques include:
- Developing hybrid tomato seeds through natural selection that require less water
- Evaluating pressurised systems that enable more efficient and accurate irrigation, compared to surface flood or furrow systems
- Analysing water absorption rates, plant needs at each stage of growth and results of water testing tools, such as tension meters, soil probes and shovels, to observe moisture at plant root systems
- Designing systems that eliminate water runoff and minimise evaporation
- Testing irrigation systems for water application uniformity and variations in flow and pressure
- Developing procedures to regularly maintain and repair irrigation systems
Benefits and impacts
Over the past two fiscal years, nearly three million cubic metres of water have been saved at Heinz’s global manufacturing operations. Heinz is tracking these water savings through the measurement of incoming water, and continues to seek additional water conservation opportunities.
Since 2005, Heinz has reduced the water consumption by approximately 15.7% per metric ton of production globally
Specific water conservation activities by regions:
North America
Specific to California tomato crops, the use of drip irrigation has grown from 30% to 55% of total acreage between Fiscal 2005 and Fiscal 2009. Heinz tomato paste producers grow 60% to 80% of their crops through drip irrigation.
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 utilises 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 saving per unit of finished production was achieved in Fiscal 2009 as a result of training employees on ways to reduce water usage.
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 are underway.
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