Goodman Fielder’s Baking Business Unit (BBU) was the recipient of a 2007 Evolution Award in the Food Packaging Action category.
The BBU's in-stock efficiency project saved about 44 tonnes of plastic waste.
The unit also successfully undertook feasibility trials to reduce the thickness of bread bags from 25 microns to 23 microns which, once the roll-out is complete, is estimated to save up to 160 tonnes of packaging material per year.
“Although we have only reduced the thickness of the bags by a few microns, if you multiply it by the amount we sell, it quickly turns into tens and sometimes hundreds of tonnes of plastic being diverted from landfill,” says Goodman Fielder's Mike Searles.
Advances in technology have allowed the company to significantly reduce the thickness of its bags, however Mike Searless says it’s a balancing act.
“You have to be careful about going too thin because you can actually start to tear bags and create more waste so it’s all about optimisation.”
Proud of its win, Goodman Fielder attributes its achievement to the company’s overall waste management system, which was meticulously developed.
“When we wrote our NPC action plan we were very methodical in devising the system we implemented,” Searles says.
“We meet regularly to check where we’re at, bring our packaging suppliers in on a regular basis to get ideas from them, and have an annual meeting to evaluate the projects in place.”
Searless says Goodman Fielder’s system has prompted a host of opportunities and achievements.
Notable examples include the installation of a bulk vinegar storage facility at the Moorebank bakery, eliminating the need for distribution packaging for the delivery of the product.
“We also developed a new packaging format for our Asia at Home products which, by reducing the dimensions of the product packaging, is expected to save approximately 1.3 tonnes of packaging material per year,” Searless enthuses.
Goodman Fielder says its bakeries will remain a strong focus area for reducing packaging waste in the future.
“In terms of further downgauging plastic, the company is always on the lookout for emerging technologies that will enable it to reduce the weight of plastic, while enhancing its strength and performance,” Mike Searless says.
“Goodman Fielder is also looking at a new model for its waste contractors and is bringing in a company that has the sorting capabilities to help further reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill,” he says.
Are you putting simple but effective measures in place to save packaging waste?
It's not to late to enter the Evolution Awards.
Contact Anna Game-Lopata for details: 02 9422 2645 or anna.game-lopata@reedbusiness.com.au
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