Orora introduces energy efficiency to NZ operations

Orora, a manufacturer of packaging for various food and beverage brands, aims to save up to 15% of its energy as part of a three-year plan developed with the support of New Zealand’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). The initiative will target annual energy savings of 11.8 GWh - the equivalent annual energy use of about 1130 households.

“We know that our customers are looking for suppliers that take sustainability seriously,” said Orora CEO and Managing Director Nigel Garrard. “Improving our energy efficiency is a key area where we can make an impact. This is part of our commitment to being a customer-led packaging company.”

Garrard noted that Orora has “already invested heavily in energy-efficiency improvements in our Australian operations”. As well as resulting in savings on energy costs, other benefits included “increasing output, improving working environments and greater engagement with staff”, he said.

As part of the New Zealand initiative, Orora will invest approximately $2 million towards optimising energy used for compressed air, warehouse lighting and motorised systems, as well as reducing energy used in process and space heating. The program is expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 1600 tonnes - comparable to the annual emissions of about 580 cars.

Orora’s energy-efficiency team is currently conducting energy audits of each New Zealand manufacturing plant to identify energy-saving opportunities, both operational and technical. The company will introduce a training program to improve energy-efficiency procedures and awareness amongst its 700+ staff, which are expected to provide a more productive working environment.

EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill said a group-wide energy management agreement can help organisations to establish a comprehensive energy management plan that makes energy work harder and smarter for their business. He added that Orora will be “one of a growing number of New Zealand large companies signed up to group-wide energy management agreement with EECA”.

“New Zealand companies are realising that good energy management is part of a smart and sustainable business approach,” Underhill said, noting that energy efficiency will reduce costs, improve productivity, lower carbon emissions and ultimately boost the bottom line. “Many of these savings are easy to achieve, but you have to go after them in a structured way. Businesses are often surprised at opportunities to save money and improve operations that have been sitting under their noses.”