SUSTAINABILITY

Reser's Fine Foods has embraced the concept of sustainability even before the term became a food industry buzz word, and actually organized a Web Conference on the subject of sustainability for our trade association (the Refrigerated Foods Association) that was held in February 2006. While this was the first exposure to the principles of sustainability for most of the participants, Reser’s has had a number of programs in place for some time.

Reducing fuel consumption and hydrocarbon emissions.
One of the most important practices in the area of sustainability is to buy local. Purchasing commodities from nearby sources reduces fuel consumption and hydrocarbon emissions that occur when ingredients are shipped long distances. Buying local also supports and encourages area farmers, which are often smaller, family-run operations. Reser’s is a major vegetable processor, and in the past several years we have established relationships with cabbage and potato growers just miles from our major manufacturing plants. This local sourcing has been a major success – it permits us to have specific, selected varieties of product grown just for us that improve our finished products.

Supporting local growers.
For example, partnering with local farmers to grow just the right varieties of cabbage has had a significant impact in improving our cole slaw products. We can monitor local fields ourselves, and participate in the crops’ development, while supporting our neighbors and reducing environmental impact. The success of these programs ensures that we are looking to expand them at every opportunity.

As we interact with our growers, we encourage their use of sustainable agricultural practices. We look for procedures that protect and renew soil fertility, and the use of integrated pest management (IPM) that minimizes application of pesticides and other agri-chemicals, ensuring that they are utilized only when needed, not just on a scheduled basis. All of our growers are asked to provide us with information on their practices, philosophies and future plans in the area of agricultural sustainability so that we can keep abreast of and encourage further progress in this area.

Sustainability in action at Reser's.
All of Reser’s plants have sustainability programs in place. Some of the most important of these activities include:

• Organic certification of three facilities by Oregon Tilth, and the introduction of a line of organic products. This has put us in contact with many certified organic suppliers and changed some plant programs into more sustainable procedures.
• We are exploring biodegradable packaging, by evaluating plastic containers made from polylactic acid (PLA), which is derived from corn, as opposed to petrochemicals. This could prove an environmentally friendly alternative to the many types of polyethylene, polypropylene and PET plastic containers we use in that PLA degrades in landfills or compost, and it comes from a renewable resource.
• We process many millions of pounds of raw vegetables each year, and all of the peel waste and trimmings are utilized as animal feed.
• Major plant recycling programs are in place for metal cans, cardboard and plastics.
• Process wastewater in some operations is used to irrigate nearby farm fields.
• Wastewater treatment capabilities are being improved in other processing facilities.
• We promote and participate in environmental stewardship in the immediate vicinity of all of our plants. One example would be the wetlands area immediately adjacent to our Beaverton, Oregon plant and corporate headquarters, which is carefully watched over, rewarding employees with views of deer, waterfowl, beaver and even bald eagles while at work.

If you have questions, comments or require further information on any aspect of sustainability, please contact Reser’s Technical Director, Steve Loehndorf at stevel@resers.com.