Colgate-Palmolive selects Emerson to drive energy efficiency in packaging facilities

Consumer products manufacturer Colgate-Palmolive has selected Emerson for the provision of solutions that help reduce energy wastage and carbon emissions across packaging facilities.

The solutions are expected to help Colgate to achieve its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2040.

The deal follows Colgate reducing energy consumption by 15% in its facilities for toothpaste and toothbrush packaging by using technologies provided by Emerson.

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Colgate will use Emerson’s AVENTICS pneumatic sensors and IIoT-enabled software to monitor compressed air flow in real-time. This will enable the manufacturing firm to identify leaks, optimize pneumatic processes and improve airflow efficiency, according to a statement.

The project will enable Colgate to reduce the energy used in compressing air, a development that will allow the firm to move closer to its sustainability goals and reduce its energy costs. Colgate says the deal will help improve equipment reliability and efficiency.

The sensors will calculate air and energy usage data and provide facility operators with insights via a dashboard for them to regulate supply pressures in line with the air required at a specific time.

Without the system, the air is either over or undersupplied. By quickly identifying leaks, Colgate is able to avoid the energy wasted to generate the air which will not be used but rather lost before reaching its destination equipment.

The deal is part of efforts by Colgate to use technology to incorporate sustainable practices across its entire operations. Through energy efficiency measures, the company seeks to operate in net-zero carbon facilities by 2040 and reduce its manufacturing energy intensity by 25%.

The company is developing on-site solar power generation, purchasing green power and leveraging power purchase agreements to power its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Between 2002 and 2019, Colgate halved the amount of water the firm uses to manufacture products through water efficiency programmes, according to a statement.

Warren Pruitt, Vice President Global Engineering Services, Colgate-Palmolive, said: “This collaboration is an excellent example of how the power of digitalization is helping us achieve our purpose by meeting our global sustainability and performance ambitions.

“Saving energy through airflow monitoring is just the tip of the iceberg. With a test-and-learn mindset, we’re able to scale successful lessons across our global footprint and help achieve our sustainability objectives.”