By Carlos Fernandez
As Earth Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the importance of sustainability in our world today. It’s a topic that holds personal significance for me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play a part in developing sustainability solutions in my role at JBT Corporation. Our commitment to providing innovative solutions that benefit both our customers and the environment is at the core of our work. In this spirit of Earth Day, I want to share insights into our tailored approach to sustainability, focusing on each customer’s unique needs, and delve deeper into the areas where we offer groundbreaking solutions. I’ll also discuss why these areas are crucial to focus on and share some examples of how we’ve made a difference. These areas include water reuse and conservation, energy use and emission reduction, waste reduction and yield improvement, food safety, and extending product lifespan. By prioritizing these key aspects, we aim to help our customers achieve their sustainability goals and create a more sustainable future for all.
Water Reuse and Conservation
In a world where droughts and water disparity are increasingly common, it’s imperative for businesses to conserve this precious resource. At JBT, we have developed a range of technologies and processes designed to reduce water consumption dramatically. For instance, our water treatment systems enable businesses to recycle and reuse water in their operations, significantly decreasing their overall water usage. I believe that enabling businesses to operate more efficiently while lessening their environmental impact is not just good for the planet, but also for the long-term success of these companies. By investing in water conservation technologies, businesses can also gain a competitive advantage, as consumers become more environmentally conscious and supportive of companies that prioritize sustainability.
Energy Use and Emission Reduction
As someone who is passionate about sustainability, I am proud of the fact that JBT equipment is engineered for maximum performance with minimum energy use, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly. Our digital solutions, such as OmniBlu, identify opportunities for further performance improvement, ensuring that businesses achieve their production goals while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This dual benefit makes a compelling case for companies to adopt these solutions.
To further illustrate this point, we have helped numerous companies reduce their energy consumption and lower their carbon footprint by implementing our energy-efficient equipment and solutions. In addition to benefiting the environment, these measures often lead to significant cost savings, making it a win-win situation for businesses.
Reduce Waste, Increase Yield and Shelf Life
Waste reduction and resource maximization are essential in creating a more sustainable world. At JBT, we employ a range of cutting-edge technologies to increase yield, reduce waste, and improve shelf life. Precision portioning, innovative freezing technology, automated packaging, and high-pressure processing are just a few of the sophisticated solutions we offer.
One notable example is our work with food processing companies to optimize their production lines and minimize food waste. By implementing our advanced technologies, these companies have seen a significant increase in yield and shelf life, resulting in reduced waste and increased profitability.
I believe that by helping businesses maximize their resources and minimize waste, we can make a significant positive impact on the environment. Encouraging a culture of resource optimization and waste reduction also helps businesses stay competitive in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
Food Safety
Food safety and quality are top priorities for me and JBT. Our technology offerings reduce pathogen risk without compromising nutritional and sensorial quality. Additionally, our systems are designed for fast and thorough cleaning, enabling businesses to maintain the highest standards of food safety at the equipment level.
One way we’ve achieved this is by providing advanced sterilization and pasteurization solutions that ensure food products are free from harmful bacteria while maintaining their quality and taste. This approach not only keeps consumers safe but also helps prevent food waste caused by spoilage and contamination.
Ensuring the safety of food products is a critical aspect of sustainability, as it helps prevent waste and protect public health. By equipping businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to maintain the highest standards of food safety, we contribute to a healthier and more sustainable food supply chain.
Extending Product Lifespan
As someone who is deeply concerned about the future of our planet, I am committed to supporting the transition toward a circular economy. We prioritize durability and modularity during the design phase of our equipment, enabling customers to make the most of each purchase for years to come. By extending the lifespan of their equipment and reducing the need for constant replacement, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable world.
For instance, we offer retrofitting and upgrade services that help our customers adapt their existing equipment to meet new industry standards and requirements. This not only extends the life of the equipment but also reduces the overall environmental impact associated with manufacturing new equipment.
Furthermore, we are actively involved in researching and developing new materials and manufacturing processes that can enhance the longevity of our products while minimizing their environmental footprint. This commitment to innovation is a crucial part of our ongoing efforts to promote sustainability.
Collaborating with Sustainability Associations and Memberships
At JBT, we recognize the importance of collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges. Joining forces with associations and memberships in the sustainability space allows us to share knowledge, leverage resources, and work collectively towards a greener future. In recent times, we have joined and actively collaborated with several notable initiatives and organizations:
- Carbon Footprint Seal from the Spanish Environment Ministry: As a proud participant in this program, we are committed to measuring, reducing, and offsetting our carbon emissions. By obtaining the Carbon Footprint Seal, we demonstrate our dedication to transparency in our environmental impact and our ongoing efforts to minimize our carbon footprint in our facilities in Madrid and Murcia.
- Support the Goals Initiative: This initiative aims to encourage businesses to align their practices with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By joining the Support the Goals Initiative, JBT reaffirms our commitment to contributing to the global effort in achieving these essential targets and creating a more sustainable world.
- World Climate Foundation: By partnering with the World Climate Foundation, we join a network of organizations committed to accelerating the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient global economy. Through this collaboration, JBT gains access to valuable resources, insights, and networks that enable us to enhance our sustainability efforts and drive positive change.
These partnerships and memberships underscore our commitment to fostering a collaborative approach in addressing the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. By working together with other like-minded organizations, we can amplify our impact and create a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Empowering Businesses with Sustainability Solutions
At JBT, our dedication to providing tailored sustainability solutions and support across various industries is a testament to our commitment to a greener future. By focusing on key areas such as water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, food safety, and product lifespan, we are helping businesses adapt to a rapidly changing world while protecting our environment for future generations. Our efforts have led to tangible results, with numerous companies experiencing improved efficiency, reduced waste, and enhanced safety.
As we celebrate Earth Day, let us all continue to work together to build a more sustainable future and contribute to the global effort of preserving our planet. By sharing our knowledge and expertise, we can inspire and empower others to join us in this essential mission, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable world for generations to come.