There are many reasons for wanting to make a facility more sustainable. Arguably two of the biggest reasons are, one, appealing to consumers who care about purchasing from companies that align with their own values and, two, reducing operating costs.

The problem with a single article describing what’s new in saving energy is that by now we know where most of the energy waste is, and we’ve probably already fixed those issues—picked the low-hanging fruit.

There are several methods to reduce energy needs, usage and costs. Some are basic and simple; others are more sublime. Four recent news items show how processors can take steps to decrease energy inputs, improve their carbon footprint and look smarter and be more sustainable.

Smithfield Foods, Inc. has begun the construction of new biogas gathering systems in Missouri and Utah, which brings the company closer to delivering renewable natural gas (RNG) from hog manure.

The system solves the plant’s discharge overload issue and generates biogas as a byproduct.

Tetra Pak has committed to increasing its use of renewable electricity from 20 today to 100 percent across all global operations by 2030.