While FSMA requirements, staffing issues, increased productivity and constantly evolving consumer demands may be top of mind for many people reading this column, sustainability remains one of the top 10 trends affecting plant operations, according to Food Engineering’s most recent State of Food Manufacturing report. This November, Food Engineering will honor one North American plant that best exemplifies innovation in sustainable manufacturing with its Sustainable Plant of the Year Award.
Any new food or beverage plant or major sustainable plant project that became fully operational in calendar year 2013 is eligible to compete. Plants must produce processed food and/or beverage products designed for human consumption to participate in this competition. However, they do not need to be certified by LEED or any other organization.