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Smucker Quality Beverages is Making a Difference and a Profit; Environmental Practices That Are Good for the Earth and the Bottom Line
Smucker Quality Beverages is Making a Difference and a Profit; Environmental Practices That Are Good for the Earth and the Bottom Line
Published 03-27-03
Submitted by Smucker (J.M.) Company
Aside from honoring the planet, SQB celebrates this day because earth-friendliness is part of its business philosophy. The eco-friendly beliefs held by SQB translate into good business practices, many of which add up to real savings. SQB produces and markets organic and natural juice beverages under the brand names R.W. Knudsen Family, Santa Cruz Organic, After the Fall, and Natural Brew.
In difficult economic times, many companies may find earth-friendliness at the bottom of their list of priorities. However, there are some ways that supporting recycling, environmentally friendly practices and energy efficiency can benefit the bottom line, as well as the planet. The SQB plant management team, headed by plant manager Randy Day, is constantly searching for ways to minimize packaging, save energy, decrease landfill waste and optimize recycling, all while ensuring that they're making informed business decisions.
Steps SQB has taken include:
-- Switching packaging from full box to tray pack has reduced packaging costs by $250K/year. Less packaging produces less waste, costs less, and weighs less (which lowers transportation costs).
-- Recycling more than 14 categories of materials and redeeming these materials for a yearly profit of over $40K. In fact, 91% percent of materials that enter the plant (excluding finished goods) are recycled.
-- Reducing their contribution and costs to California landfills. Currently, only 9% of unfinished goods go to landfill, which saves over $120K in landfill costs each year.
-- Converting to a natural gas chiller to decrease electricity dependence, switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, installing skylights, and switching production shifts to occur during off-peak electricity rates, altogether saving more than $50K per year.
-- Working with vendors to promote the use of recycled packaging.
-- Reusing the water that enters that plant, treating water on site and using some water for surface irrigation.
-- Selling fruit pulp byproducts to farmers for feed or compost, which reduces waste and produces a profit.
-- Committing a large part of their product line to organic ingredients, which supports organic agriculture, decreases pesticide use and increases soil vitality. Also commands higher profits.
Moral of the story: Companies can do well by doing good; they can make a
difference and make a profit. SQB has received recognition for the past three years from the California Integrated Waste Management Board for its commitment to waste reduction.
This year, SQB challenges other businesses to take a look at their own production and make a commitment to the ongoing search for more efficient, earth-friendly means of operation.
