McVitie’s begins pilot project to reduce energy consumption

McVitie's, manufacturer of the Hobnob, is carrying out a pilot project with the Carbon Trust and Scotland Food & Drink to reduce energy consumption at its Glasgow site.


The project, called Energy Catalyst, will assess the current energy performance of individual assets and processes, and identify, evaluate and implement practical improvement measures that will reduce the energy used within the conversion processes.

Scotland Food & Drink sustainability project manager, Ann Picking, said: “We are delighted that McVitie’s have been chosen as the pilot site for this innovative energy reduction project.

“Scotland Food & Drink supports the industry’s ambitions to grow sustainably and we believe that projects such as this help businesses not only reduce their bottom line but also position themselves better with customers, who are increasingly examining the sustainability credentials of their suppliers”.

According to business improvement specialist, JRP Solutions, who developed the pilot methodology, projects like this help manufacturing businesses meet sustainability targets and environmental commitments required of them by their customers.

JRP Solutions founder and Managing Director, Jes Rutter said: “We recognised that whilst food manufacturers were aware that 80-90% of their energy is used within the conversion process there was no simple tool that would help reduce energy consumption.

“We recognised this as being a huge opportunity and the development of the Energy Catalyst is an exciting prospect not just for us but all manufacturing businesses.”

McVitie’s manufacturer, United Biscuits recently launched the UK’s first biscuit wrapper recycling scheme.

The company teamed up with upcycling specialist TerraCycle to encourage biscuit eaters to send their wrappers for recycling through the post and raise funds for charity at the same time.

Leigh Stringer

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe