Our sustainability initiatives
Sustainability has been a fundamental pillar of the Barber Foods business since it was founded in 1955. It's our position that ‘sustainability’ encompasses efforts to preserve the whole earth including the natural world (the environment), the people (our families, friends, community and co-workers) and the economy. Thanks to the efforts of our 'green team' and all our associates, we're proud to share our accomplishments to date.
Reduce
- We’ve decreased total energy consumption (electricity, natural gas and liquid CO2) 33% from 2006 to 2010.
- In 2010, we generated 11% less solid waste per pound of product than in 2006.
- We’ve reduced our water use rate (gallons water per pound of product) 4% from 2008 to 2010.
- Our Foodservice division packs a majority of products in bulk, not in individually pouched bags, helping to reduce packaging.
Reuse & recycle
- Our used fryer oil is converted to biodiesel fuel for vehicles, and a by-product of that process is used to heat one of our warehouses.
- Most of our cartons are made from recycled materials and are, in turn, recyclable!
- Organic waste from our production facility is transported to a digester where it is converted to methane gas that's burned to produce electricity.
- Food waste is transported to a composting facility helping to produce rich, organic soil.
- All other trash is sent to an incinerator to make electricity. That means none of the waste from our production facility ends up in a landfill!
Click here for our full Sustainability Scorecard.
Barber Foods also makes an effort to sustain our associates with initiatives to improve wellness and further education. And we support our community by donating to food banks and other charitable organizations and by participating in campaigns like Keep Maine Strong and Portland Buy Local.
We encourage you to take care of the environment, people and economy around you – and to come visit our great state!