May 28, 2008 - The H. J. Heinz Company has vowed to slash greenhouse gas emissions 20% by 2015 by boosting efficiency in production and distribution, streamlining packaging materials, and purchasing more power from renewable sources.

Heinz estimates it can save more than 2 million gallons of fuel annually by optimizing delivery routes and maximizing truckload capacity. The company says it can cut energy use a further 15% by minimizing product packaging and switching to more resource-efficient packaging materials.

For its remaining energy needs, Heinz plans to buy 15% of its power from renewable sources such as solar and biomass.

In addition, the company is taking the unique step of converting potato peels to biofuel at its facility in Ontario, Oregan, with plans to route the fuel to a natural gas pipeline for sale and distribution to local utility customers. The project will also treat and recycle 90% of the water used for daily potato production, saving one billion gallons of water annually, according to Heinz.

"Everyone in the Heinz community is involved in this sustainability effort - from our employees to many of our largest customers and suppliers," says Heinz CEO Bill Johnson.

Heinz has launched a voluntary personal sustainability campaign for employees to help the company achieve its new sustainability goals, which also include 20% reductions in water use and solid waste.

Find Heinz's 2007 sustainability report here.