Fresh produce supplier Fenmarc in the UK is set to source all its electricity from renewable energy following the successful commissioning of a local Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant, located adjacent to its site in March, Cambridgeshire. The plant, which is owned and operated by Local Generation, a sister company to Fenmarc, opened at the end of 2011. It is already generating more than 50% of the electricity requirement for Fenmarc’s March operation.
The AD plant was built following an investment of £6m, funded by shareholders and a grant of £1.425m from WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme). The aim of the AD plant is to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill locally by up to 30,000t a year, by diverting packaged and unpackaged food waste generated by retailers and food manufacturers.
Fenmarc is committed to driving forward a sustainable business and improving its environmental performance. Using renewable energy produced locally not only benefits the environment but local communities and business as well.
Mark Taylor said: "We are always seeking to make improvements that help drive efficiencies in the business and that challenge the way we do things. It is important we continue to drive a sustainable business that allows for growth. The partnership with the AD plant is a key part of driving that forward as it is of a significant environmental benefit to Fenmarc. We are helping to reduce local landfill which is far better for the environment and the local community."
Recycling waste in this way makes a positive contribution to the environment, diverting waste from landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At full capacity the plant will produce enough energy to power itself, the Local Generation offices and Fenmarc’s March operation. Any surplus electricity will be transferred to the National Grid.
Source: Fenmark News
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