SBF GB&I, the producer of Lucozade and Ribena, is making significant strides in enhancing its operations through a new electricity connection aimed at reducing reliance on the existing gas turbine. This initiative signifies a shift towards more sustainable energy practices in food manufacturing.
The upgrade of SBF GB&I Coleford’s current 11 kilovolt (kV) connection to a more robust 33 kV connection will boost the factory’s access to electricity derived from renewable sources, supporting the company’s sustainability goals.
An End to Outages
With this new connection, SBF GB&I anticipates improved operational efficiencies across the site, significantly reducing the chances of external outages and power cuts. Furthermore, this upgrade is expected to eliminate the quarterly maintenance interruptions mandated by the current combined heat and power unit.
SBF GB&I reports that moving away from gas will decrease its Scope 1 emissions by an impressive 58%. This will empower the manufacturer to dedicate more resources towards additional emissions reduction initiatives, which may include the electrification of stream systems, new heat pump implementations, and solar panel installations.
Reflecting on this investment, SBF GB&I supply chain director Karl Ottomar noted: “This £6 million investment represents a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint.”
Focus on Sustainability
“Not only will it put us on track to achieve greater emissions reductions quicker, but it allows us to focus on even more sustainability projects and the future integration of renewable energy.”
The planning application for this project is currently under review, and approval is anticipated to enable SBF GB&I to implement the new model by 2026. This initiative will also undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment conducted by local authorities, aimed at minimizing any potential effects on the community and surroundings.
Additionally, SBF GB&I is enhancing biodiversity across its blackcurrant grower base by monitoring the avian populations within its hedgerows through artificial intelligence technology.
In collaboration with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West, the project employs AI analysis and recording technology across five farms supplying Ribena, collecting quantitative data on key bird species over an average timeline of 48 days annually.
