Heat recovery system installation cuts Britvic factory emissions
Britvic is kicking off this year sustainably with the installation of a new heat recovery system at its Beckton site – cutting factory emissions by an estimated 1,200 tonnes annually – equivalent to the annual energy usage of around 500 UK homes.
The move sees the brand redouble its efforts to cut carbon emissions and save energy equates to £8 million of investment to improve efficiency at its London factory.
Part funded by a £4.4 million government grant from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the new heat recovery system will see the soft drink manufacturer switching its heating from natural gas boilers to carbon free heat extractors.
Nigel Paine, supply chain director, stated that the Beckton site produces 2,000 drinks every minute – including many of the nation’s favourites such as Robinsons, Tango and Pepsi MAX.
He aded: “We are constantly looking at ways to improve the way we create these products and I’m delighted that, as well as our own funds, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will be supporting us too. It means we can continue to supply the nation with great tasting drinks, while reducing our carbon footprint.”
With the help of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, the heat recovery system will take waste heat recovered from existing systems, increase the temperature and redistribute it around the site using a new low temperature hot water network, replacing a carbon intensive steam system. This will decarbonise 50% of the site’s heat demand by shifting its heat source away from fossil fuels.
Sarah Webster, director of sustainable business, at Britvic, said the “major” investment represents a significant milestone in the brand’s journey to reduce its scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions in service of science-based targets, and theHealthier People Healthier Planet sustainability strategy.
“The support from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has been integral to making this happen and it re-enforces our view that collaboration and partnership is critical to developing long-lasting meaningful solutions to protect the planet,” Webster said.
With the project set to commence at the end of 2023, the move is a huge step towards Britvic’s commitment to reduce its direct emissions by 50% by 2025 and to be net zero target by 2050, verified by the Science Based Target initiative.
