Three facilities are now Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) platinum zero waste certified and more than 90 percent energy independent
Taylor Farms, North America’s leading producer of salads and healthy fresh foods, has received the U.S. Green Building Council TRUE platinum zero waste certification at three facilities in California while simultaneously achieving 90 percent energy independence from the utility grid through unique microgrid solutions. Together, their unique suite of investments and programs reduced 175,000 metric ton (MT) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in just two years, equivalent to 37,000 cars off the road annually.
The three facilities in Monterey County are the first fresh food facilities to achieve the highest level of TRUE zero waste certification, diverting over 95 percent of materials from the environment, incinerators and landfills. According to the Monterey Herald, Taylor Farms has focused on reducing the amount of materials coming into its facility such as incoming primary packaging. Materials such as wax carton and single-use corrugated have been reduced or eliminated. When not able to switch to durable or reusable solutions, the company works with suppliers to move to materials that are recyclable.
“Now more than ever before, we are noticing a shift in customers, consumers and business partners to be increasingly more aware of the source of their food and the sustainable practices behind that food production,” said Bruce Taylor, Chairman and CEO, Taylor Farms. “We are proud that Taylor Farms is at the forefront of developing and identifying sustainability practices that are breaking down barriers and establishing new norms within the industry. Consumers should be confident that our product offerings are helping them to lead healthy lives while contributing to a healthy environment and healthy communities.”
Taylor Farms primary focus is on reducing the amount of materials coming into the facility such as incoming primary packaging, according to the company. It has reduced or eliminated materials such as wax carton and single-use corrugated containers on its incoming raw material. When it wasn’t able to switch to durable and reusable goods, it works with suppliers to move to materials that are recyclable. Taylor Farms diverts materials such as cardboard and vegetable by-products.
“We commend Taylor Farms for their leadership and climate action achievements, which have made a positive impact in our shared sustainability journey,” said Townsend Bailey, Director – North America Sustainability, McDonald’s.
Building an industry-first groundbreaking microgrid and Environmental Management System (EMS) takes entrepreneurial drive and strategic partnerships. Taylor Farms proudly partnered with like-minded organizations that share a mission to preserve environmental health. The microgrid energy solutions are made up of renewable and alternative energy sources including solar, wind, fuel cells and cogeneration. Through the support of Concentric Power, Bloom Energy, REC Solar, and Foundation Wind Power, Taylor Farms’ energy investments have made it possible to reduce the environmental impact while also unlocking financial value.
Through the EMS programs, Taylor Farms pledges to roll-out zero waste programs nationally, establishing a new standard for environmental sustainability throughout the country with the support from partners like sustainability consultants, Measure to Improve (MTI). Taylor Farms’ dedication to environmental sustainability doesn’t stop with these projects. The company has over 10 major sustainability initiatives across North America including solar, wind, fuel cells, cogeneration, zero waste, water recycling and more.
“When implementing Taylor Farms EMS program, our main goal is to preserve a healthier world for future generations to come. We are so thrilled to have been recognized and receive this historic certification for the work we are doing at these facilities,” Nicole Flewell, Director of Sustainability, Taylor Farms. “It’s exciting to look forward to the future and start to understand the change that we can have as an industry if we continue to put sustainability at the forefront of our efforts.”
Taylor Farm’s mission is to be North America’s favorite maker of salads and healthy fresh foods, and that goal cannot be accomplished without a genuine commitment to responsible practices. Through renewable energy, resource conservation, and innovative zero waste programs, the company states that it is raising industry standards to preserve a healthier world for future generations.