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Global snacking company Pladis has expanded its rainwater harvesting technology at its Ashby-de-la-Zouch logistics site in Leicestershire, with the new system expected to reduce water usage at its second distribution centre by 25%.

The installation follows the success of a similar system introduced at the site's main distribution centre in 2024, which has reduced mains water consumption by 50% and saved 2.5 million litres of mains water over the past year.

The technology captures and reuses rainwater for non-potable applications, including bathroom facilities, reducing the amount of mains water required for day-to-day warehouse operations.

Pladis has committed a five-figure investment to expand the technology across the site. The project was installed by East Midlands-based company CDPS and led by the site's ECO team, which brings together employees from across the business to identify opportunities to improve sustainability.

Stewart McCollam, health and safety manager at Pladis UK&I's Ashby-de-la-Zouch logistics site, said: “Achieving a 50% reduction in mains water use so far is a fantastic result and shows the impact of practical changes across our operations. The system has given us a more efficient way to manage water use and provided a strong case for introducing the technology at our second warehouse."

The expanded system is expected to deliver a 25% reduction in water usage at the second distribution centre once fully established.

The two distribution centres play a key role in supplying pladis brands, including McVitie's and Jacob's, to retailers across the UK. Together, the facilities hold around 90,000 pallets and dispatch products to major retail customers.

The investment forms part of Pladis' ongoing efforts to improve resource efficiency across its logistics operations, building on the results of its initial rainwater harvesting installation to reduce reliance on mains water.