In June of 2012, Hormel Foods/Progressive Processing was named Food Processing’s Green Plant of the Year. This is a special title reserved for facilities that meet specific green goals and are fine examples of sustainable manufacturing. This facility was also the first USDA-inspected food production facility to earn LEED gold certification.
Details like the reflective roof, premium-efficiency electric motors, and the grey water recover system helped make this plant meet and exceed the sustainability factors that Food Processing was looking for. A few of those factors are:
- Is it energy efficient?
- Does it use innovative or alternative sources of energy?
- It is minimally polluting?
- Does it minimize water use?
- Were green building materials and practices used in its construction?
- Is the design innovative?
- Is it economically sustainable?
NSF International also has specific sustainability requirements for flooring in food processing facilities. NSF flooring must meet stringent guidelines in order to be registered and have further review to be considered as resilient flooring. NSF flooring in food processing plants is an important part of a well working facility. SLIPNOT flooring is NSF registered and can be used throughout food plants. These NSF floors can be custom fabricated for endless possibilities, are grit free and can be cleaned with high pressure sprays and wire brushes. SLIPNOT flooring can also be considered a green product and can help plants earn LEED credits.
Fusaro, Dave. “Food Processing Awards Hormel Foods/Progressive Processing 2012 Green Plant of the Year” www.foodprocessing.com September 7,2012. September 23, 2012. <http://www.foodprocessing.com/articles/2012/green-plant-of-the-year-hormel.html>
