US-based canned vegetable brands manufacturer McCall Farms has initiated changes to its packaging system as part of its efforts to cut down its environmental impact by using less paper and energy.
The company noted that its corrugated boxes and trays that are used to ship three different sizes of canned products will be modified.
During the implementation of these changes, a box will be replaced with a tray for the 98oz cans, and the size of the trays used for the 15oz and 28oz cans will be reduced.
As part of its packaging equipment modernization, the company purchased new machines for the label lines. The latest investment is expected to pay off in energy savings.
According to McCall Farms, by reducing more than a million pounds of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere each year, total savings can be measured at its Effingham facility in South Carolina, US.
The facility produces food cans under brands such as Margaret Holmes, Bruce’s Yams, Glory Foods and Peanut Patch.
McCall Farms sales director Woody Swink said the changes are worth the investment to strive to be more sustainable.
"Anytime we can reduce our carbon footprint we feel a responsibility as a company to do so," Swink added.
The company claims that the proposed changes are expected to result in the equivalent conservation of nearly 5,000 trees, two million gallons of water and 46,000 gallons of diesel fuel annually.
Said to have commenced in April, the modifications at the Effingham packaging facility are expected to be completed by the end of 2014.