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HJ Heinz today (27 May) announced that it plans to reduce its greenhous gas emissions by 20% by 2015. The goal is part of the company’s sustainability vision: “To be a trusted leader in nutrition and wellness, dedicated to the sustainable health of people, the planet and the Company.”

Heinz also plans to use the peel from Ore-Ida potatoes to generate enough energy to power 4,000 Oregon homes and reduce the amount of water used to grow tomatoes for Heinz Ketchup by 15% over the next ten years.

"From using potato peels to generate energy, to reducing the amount and size of our packaging, every day we're finding new ways to reduce our environmental footprint and improve the efficiency of our company," said Heinz CEO Bill Johnson. "Everyone in the Heinz community is involved in this sustainability effort - from our employees to many of our largest customers and suppliers."

The project to convert potato peels to biofuel is currently in the developmental stages at the company’s facility in Ontario, Oregon. Heinz plans to distribute the energy to central natural gas pipeline for sale and distribution.

The same project in Ontario is slated to treat and recycle 90% of the water used for daily potato production and is expected to save one billion gallons of water per year, or enough to supply 11,000 Oregon homes with water for a year.

Heinz is focusing on eight specific areas to achieve its goal by 2015: 1. Energy consumption - 20% reduction through improved operational efficiency 2. Packaging - 15% reduction by the introduction of alternative packaging materials and reduction of existing packaging use 3. Transportation - 10% reduction through improved efficiency of distribution network 4. Renewable energy - 15% to come from renewable sources, including solar, biomass and bio-gas 5. Agriculture - 15% reduction of carbon footprint, 15% reduction of water usage, improvement of yields by 5% through use of hybrid tomato seeds that require less water, fertilizer, pesticides and fuel to harvest 6. Water - 20% reduction through reuse and improved sanitation techniques 7. olid Waste - 20% reduction through increased recycling and reuse of waste 8. Employees - Increase employee engagement through a voluntary personal sustainability campaign