Blakemans’ New Environmental Initiative

Blakeman’s New Environmental Initiative

Blakemans, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of sausage and meat products have seen numerous changes occur over the past 67 years. From their humble beginnings as a one-man freelance sausage manufacturer in 1953, James Blakeman moved into his first premises in 1955 supplying only four retail outlets with 100lbs of sausages per week with small, hand operated machinery

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oon after, they expanded to greater premise, production continuously growing with the implementation of modern machinery and their ranges expanding from just sausages to other cooked meat products. Fast forward to now in 2020, Blakemans distribute more than 22,000 tonnes of products worldwide every year with ongoing investment ensuring that the business is effective, productive and committed to providing their customers with the best products meeting their no mess, no waste, no fuss promise.

Along with this growth and success comes increased responsibility to ensure that their actions are considerate for the everchanging world around them. This responsibility is at the forefront of their ambitions, recently demonstrated with the creation of their new Environmental Policy.

James Morris, Head of business development at Blakemans said “it is only when we look back that we see how much has changed in the world around us on this journey. This year especially served as a wake up call to us, as I’m sure that it did to many. We are so grateful for our customers and are committed to ensuring that we run the business in a responsible way.”

Focusing on a number of defining areas, the Policy outlines their commitments to decrease their impact on the environment through monitoring and setting targets for emissions, waste, water use and wastewater. Blakemans are well on their way to reaching their ambitious 2025 target of reducing Carbon Intensity by 55%, with it almost halving since 2013. This has been made possible through the use of advanced technologies and more efficient production. Most recently, in March 2020, Blakemans upgraded their Cold Store Refridgeration system to an Azanefreezer unit. This system is considerably more energy efficient than its predecessor and uses Ammonia as the refrigerant, consequently lowering electricity consumption and CO2e emissions simultaneously.

Elliot Whimpanny, Blakeman’s Process Engineer said that “the Policy has quantified the significant environmental improvements that we have already made and will ensure that we continue this progress in the years to come. The recently installed Azanefreezer unit will contribute to a staggering reduction in our energy consumption and emissions. We are continually looking for ways to improve and it is great to see one of our projects have such a positive impact.”

Blakemans are also partnered with Advanced Proteins who collect the unused foods, fats and oils from site, ensuring that waste does not end up in landfill. These are then rendered in Advanced Protein’s state of the art facility to create a highly sought after biofuel, used for electricity generation.

Now more than ever, Blakemans exhibit a corporate social responsibility to ensure that their practice are in line with the changes that are happening in the world and they are committed to being the pioneers of this positive influence in their industry.

For more information on Blakemans and to read their Environmental Policy, visit their website: www.blakemans.co.uk