Maximizing Efficiency: How Processors are Monitoring Water Usage for Sustainability

Water is vital for food and beverage companies, yet managing it wisely can be quite tricky. This necessity doesn’t just involve mixing it into products; water influences sanitation, safety, and operational efficiency too.

Take PepsiCo, for instance. This big player tackled its water usage head-on. They not only met but beat their 2025 goal of a 25% improvement in water efficiency in high-risk areas, achieving this milestone two years early. It was a smart move, showing that companies can blend sustainability with solid business practices.

In 2025, PepsiCo updated its sustainability targets, focusing more on high-risk areas. While they faced some backlash from environmental groups, their goal to become water positive by 2030 still stands. This illustrates that even major companies juggle different priorities when it comes to water and sustainability.

Coast Packing Co., based in Vernon, California, is another example. They operate in a water-stressed environment and understand the unique challenges of conservation. According to Chavis Ferguson, the company’s vice president of operations, they set an ambitious target to cut water use by 10 million gallons during a decade-long drought. They realized that any effort should not compromise product quality or safety.

Ferguson emphasized a focused approach. They tracked where water was wasted, fixed leaks, improved hose-handling, and optimized equipment. These seemingly minor issues can lead to significant water loss if not addressed.

One major challenge many food and beverage firms face is balancing water conservation with food safety. Ferguson insists that no environmental goal should risk consumer safety. This sentiment resonates widely: safety should always come first.

Balancing sustainability with business viability is another hurdle. In recent times, the U.S. administration has voiced skepticism about environmental initiatives. Even so, businesses must focus on running effectively. Ferguson noted that every water-saving initiative must be financially sensible in the short and long term. At Coast Packing, they strive for a practical approach, weighing safety and cost carefully.

Different operations have varied thresholds for balancing these goals. For example, Perdue Premium Meat Co. in Iowa decided to install more water meters throughout their facility. This approach allows them to pinpoint which processes use excess water and when systems may fail. For them, the investment is worth the insights gained.

Implementing change requires patience. Ferguson points out that employee habits can be a significant hurdle. New technologies or methods take time to master, and disruptions to usual practices can meet resistance.

Advancements in technology will keep emerging, allowing companies to reduce water use further. Ferguson believes that water conservation demands constant effort, not a one-time fix. “While we explore new technologies, our past successes come from steady improvement and diligent execution,” he says. For Coast Packing, water conservation has become an ongoing commitment, ingrained in daily operations.

In a world where water scarcity is a growing concern, businesses that proactively manage this resource can set themselves apart. As they navigate the complexities of water management, knowing the values of efficiency and sustainability can lead to a better future for all.



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