Britvic is investing £1.15 million to improve its Rugby, Warwickshire, and factory as it looks to cut carbon emissions and save energy.
The plan to upgrade the centralised chilling systemof the factory with more efficient cooling towers has received £305,000 in support from the government's Industrial Energy Transformation Fund.
The new cooling towers will cut electricity consumption on the chiller units, reducing carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by as much as 650 tonnes annually. Cost savings from the upgrade are expected to pay back the investment in four years.
The new chilling system will also improve 'reliability and efficiency', especially during peak summer months, ensuring that production of popular brands such as Robinsons, Tango and Pepsi Max continues without interruption. The system removes heat from pasteurised drinks and products like Pepsi Max before carbonisation, preventing foaming and waste.
Paul Graham, the managing director for Britvic's Great Britain, said: "Britvic is proud to be at the forefront of our industry in terms of sustainable manufacturing practices. This project represents an important step forward for both our carbon-reduction and our operational-efficiency improvement plans."
Supported by the government's Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, this initiative not only signifies our commitment to environmental stewardship but also showcases Britvic's commitment to our Healthier People, Healthier Planet sustainability goals."
CMI Research: Key Industrial Energy Efficiency Market Insights
According to Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the industrial energy efficiency market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% from 2023 to 2030 due to the increasing support of the government in the form of policies and regulations. The market size was estimated at around US$ 23.13 billion in 2023 and is likely to cross US$ 41.2 billion by 2030.
In 2023, North America held the largest share of the industrial energy-efficiency services market. Governments are implementing stricter rules to encourage the use of energy-efficient technology. This is more so in the United States and Canada, as big manufacturing operations are big energy users and are, therefore, the main targets of these rules.
Analyst Opinion: Strategic Role in Industrial Energy Efficiency Market Growth
According to a senior research consultant, Yash Doshi: "The trend is likely to grow at an average pace across the next ten years because it is subject to stringent regulations to reduce carbon emissions globally."
Conclusion: Business Takeaways
Britvic’s £1m investment in energy-efficient upgrades at its Rugby factory highlights the growing importance of sustainability in industrial operations. Businesses can take away the need to prioritize energy efficiency to reduce costs, improve sustainability, and meet environmental targets. Such investments not only benefit operational performance but also enhance brand reputation, attracting eco-conscious consumers and aligning with global sustainability trends in manufacturing.