In The Habit of Recycling
Del Monte generates a considerable volume of organic waste at its fruit and vegetable processing plants. This is a natural byproduct of the production process that can’t be avoided. But the environmental impact can be minimized.
Out of respect for Mother Nature, Del Monte is continually refining its recycling standards and practices. And by minimizing waste, the company is able to focus on giving back as much as it takes out. 99% was recycled, reused for feedstock, or reapplied to farmland.
"Del Monte's commitment to the environment and the communities in which we operate reflects our rich tradition," said Richard G. Wolford, Former Del Monte Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
"For more than 100 years, Del Monte has been part of the fabric of American life. From our agricultural roots to bringing good food to family tables across the country, our commitment to environmental sustainability literally extends from the fields where our nutritious fruits and vegetables are grown, to the grocery shelf."
Continued Mr. Wolford, "We are proud of our heritage and pleased with the progress we have made in reducing our environmental impact. We plan to do more, and our recent efforts reflect our heightened focus on three specific areas in which we can have significant influence - reducing waste, lowering water consumption, and improving air quality. This work will play a part in protecting the environment for future generations to come."
The pledge to reduce waste.
In order to reduce the amount of waste the company sends to landfills and help decrease the need for new ones, Del Monte has worked to lower solid waste (per ton of finished product) going to landfill from its operations, and has committed to a 75 percent reduction.
Del Monte has been working toward this goal since 2007, and during that period has made significant progress. The Del Monte Foods Distribution Center in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania is now a zero-landfill facility – meaning that 100% of its waste has been diverted from landfill. As a result of these and other efforts, Del Monte has reduced its waste to landfill by almost 60 percent, and is well on its way to achieving its goal.
Separately, Del Monte has committed to reducing its packaging materials by 15 percent, which will not only help reduce the amount of waste our consumers send to landfill, but also decrease the natural resources used across the entire supply chain to produce packaging. To date, the company has implemented several packaging initiatives to drive progress against this goal.
Looking to the future, Del Monte will continue working to eliminate waste, and find new opportunities to reuse waste materials whenever possible. This will even further reduce the impact of Del Monte's operations, and contribute to healthier environments in the communities where the company operates.
The benefits of wasteless thinking:
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In 2008, less than 1% of the total waste generated at production
facilities, distribution centers, and research locations went to a
landfill.
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In 2010, the Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania facility became the first
distribution center in Del Monte to become “zero landfill.” Less than 1%
of solid waste reaches landfill. As of now, May 2011, three other Del Monte facilities are Zero Landfill: Decatur, Buffalo, and Topeka.
- By 2016, Del Monte hopes to achieve a 75% reduction of solid waste per ton of finished product.