Climate Action Leader
2022 AWARD FINALIST
Sponsored by Waka Kotahi
As the world’s leading producer of prepared potato and appetizer products, McCain Foods has recognised the need to reduce its impact on the global food system.
In 2019 McCain introduced a global purpose to make ‘planet friendly food’. This includes a series of commitments to reduce carbon emissions, optimise resource efficiency in operations, enabling sustainable water usage and moving towards zero waste to landfill.
McCain worked in collaboration with EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) to develop an Energy Transition Accelerator programme for its Timaru plant. The main objective was to provide a preliminary indication of energy efficiency and energy-related carbon reduction opportunities. The Energy Transition Accelerator programme has helped McCain Timaru to reduce its process heat demand and hence switch its boiler fuel to renewables.
McCain employed an energy graduate, with support from EECA, to identify energy efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives.
Since 2020 McCain has undertaken new initiatives and innovative technologies to reduce energy use. These include heat recovery and boiler conversion projects. Together, they have resulted in a carbon reduction of 34,517 tonnes.