Fonterra Te Awamutu plant targets sustainability goals

Fonterra’s Te Awamutu ingredients plant is working to improve its environmental performance while simultaneously increasing production. The facility, which employs approximately 330 people, processes up to three million litres of milk daily and produces over 90,000 tonnes of milk powder annually.

Over the past year, the site reported an 11 per cent increase in energy efficiency alongside an 11 per cent rise in production. During the same period, water use growth was limited to 1.3 per cent. The plant is also transitioning from coal to wood pellets to reduce its environmental footprint. Site operations manager Hannah Bryden stated that the facility is aiming to win the co-operative’s Sustainability Cup following a runner-up finish by the Alexandra St plant in the previous competition.