Packaged Meat Manufacturer Met Sustainability Requirements of Global Retailer — Under Challenging Conditions

Challenge

A packaged meat manufacturer is a major supplier to a global retailer. The retailer requires that key vendors meet its water sustainability program requirements.

Opportunity

The packaged meat manufacturer is located in a drought-stricken area; the city’s water quality and inconsistency caused production loss, product waste, increased chemical consumption, failed heat exchanger and increased spice usage. The company asked Earthwise Environmental to help it meet the retailer’s requirements.

Solution

We re-engineered plant water with a reverse osmosis program and water blending. Heat exchangers were optimized; boiler water treatment chemistry was reduced; makeup water for sanitization was reduced; spice usage was reduced; and product loss was reduced.

A small grill with an assortment of meats on it. There's a spatula on the left and a grill fork on the right.
Investment

$250,000

Benefits
  • $750,000 annual reduction in product waste, energy consumption and recurring capital expenditure
  • $30,000 saved by avoiding boiler re-tubing
  • Increase in plant productivity
  • 2.5-year payback on capital equipment
  • Consistent productivity; reduced unscheduled downtime