Effective and Efficient Waste-stream Management in a Food Facility

Waste-stream management plan for food facilities

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Renee Benson

Packaging Engineer

Every manufacturer must address it—the ever-present elephant in the room: WASTE. Companies small and large, across all industries, are faced with waste in their manufacturing process. From raw ingredients to packaging, an effective waste-stream management plan encompasses and benefits every stage of the manufacturing process.

A preventative approach: creating a waste-stream management plan

A preventative approach to waste management requires taking a step back and focusing on the entire manufacturing process, the facility and the business drivers to make an all-encompassing plan. Often, steps can be taken to address the process and identify areas where excess waste is produced. Some things to consider are listed below:

Do you have an existing waste-stream management plan?

Quality assurance and environmental teams at your facility will develop standard operating procedures to manage waste. These procedures ensure personnel is trained to maintain segregation and organization of product and prevent cross-contamination.

From bundling corrugate and shredding/crushing primary packaging waste to handling waste product, personnel trained on the facility’s standard operating procedures are critical to the proper implementation of an effective waste-management program. A dedicated dock and personnel responsible for handling waste will ensure that the materials are processed efficiently.

How do ingredients, materials or inclusions enter the facility?

The first step of creating your waste-stream management plan is to evaluate the components coming into your facility. Consider the following questions:

Do you need the extra dunnage to maintain the integrity of the ingredient or raw material?
Could product be transported in tubs or tanks instead of bags?
Could the ingredients come in larger or smaller containers to prevent waste?
Have you considered materials that could be reused rather than becoming waste?

These questions, and more, can help you begin to address the waste generated as a result of ingredients and materials.

Is your line operating correctly and efficiently?

Does your production line produce excess reject product? A poorly operating line can result in waste in the form of food product that does not meet company standards. A closer look at the line design, operation and procedures could reveal assignable causes for your product rejects. These causes can often be mitigated!

Are you monitoring for food safety in waste?

As a result of the Food Safety Modernization Act, quality must be more closely controlled and documented—even food waste! Waste product leaving the facility to be repurposed or used for animal consumption must comply with the requirements of 21CFR507. Manufacturers must ensure product is not contaminated in a way that could bring illness to animals or spread from animals to humans.

What business drivers affect your waste-stream management plan?

From company values to cost savings, there are many factors that weigh into a waste-stream management plan. Sustainability is a growing trend in the modern manufacturing environment. Many companies are opting for sustainable practices that are aligned with company values, despite the increased operating cost. Others are driven by cost savings, with an emphasis on profitability and growth. Regardless of the drivers, all manufacturers must adhere to local codes and laws for manufacturing.

What can you do early on to build waste-stream management into your process?

Even in the early planning stages of a new facility, waste-stream management should be considered. When selecting a site, manufacturers should consider the availability of a local recycling center and access to animal feed outlets. Is there an appropriate facility nearby, or will waste be transported a long distance? All of these factors can affect site selection and a facility’s overall waste-management plan.

Take the next step to create a waste-stream management plan

While this is not an exhaustive list of considerations, it does pose several key questions that can shape an effective plan. As manufacturers seek to mitigate waste, improve efficiency and drive down cost, it’s imperative to develop an effective and efficient waste-stream management plan.

Ready to take the next step in your facility’s waste-stream management? CRB works with food and beverage manufacturers to develop a manufacturing process that is well organized, improves plant functionality and addresses waste in a cost- and time-efficient manner. Let’s talk.

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