April 8, 2008 - Foodservice operator Sodexo is re-outfitting its 6,000 U.S. sites with a new computer-controlled dishwashing system that maximizes operational efficiency. The Ecolab Apex technology saves water and energy by optimizing the number of dishmachine racks that must be washed at each foodservice site.

The Apex system communicates with the system's controller via wireless technology to monitor and analyze each foodservice operation's "rack-to-guest ratio."

"The cost to wash dishes is $0.50 per dishmachine rack," explains Jim Chamberlain, sales VP for Ecolab's Institutional Sector. "A very small percent of that cost is chemical, while the bulk of the cost comes from labor, energy, water, and other indirect expenses. Our new Apex system optimizes the number of racks washed, thereby helping each restaurant to reduce its costs and environmental impact. It also improves our level of service to the customer."

Sodexo says it selected the Apex system after extensive field testing supported claims that the technology requires less water, energy, and labor to operate. Most pilot sites saw either improved performance or a reduction in operational costs, according to Sodexo. In addition, the Apex dishwashing products ship in a compact, solid form that significantly reduces transportation shipments compared to bulkier liquid detergents.

Sodexo has implemented a range of sustainability initiatives geared toward reducing environmental impact while boosting operational efficiency. Its recent switch to recycled-content paper napkins has saved the company money, for example, because the new product dispensers encourage customers to take fewer napkins.