Ferrero makes core energy efficiency gains through US ComEd venture

Major environmental performance improvements have been reported by Ferrero, after adopting a key ComEd energy efficiency scheme at its Franklin Park, IIlinois, US manufacturing facilities, reports Neill Barston.

The wider business has placed sustainability at the heart of its operations, and with the company – which is set to play its part at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo in Las Vegas between 19-21 May, explained, it has made key operating gains under its recently adopted venture.

According to the business, through energy-saving projects and operational improvements at its Franklin Park, Ill. manufacturing facility that began in 2020, Ferrero has saved nearly 8.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, resulting in annual energy-bill savings of $777,000.

Consequently, as the business noted, these energy savings also have an equal environmental impact to planting more than 2,800 acres of trees or removing more than 680 gas-powered cars from the road for one year.

“Ferrero is a great example of the value of making energy efficiency an ongoing business priority,” said Gil Quiniones, ComEd’s President and CEO. “ComEd is eager to work with local businesses to establish long-term operational improvements and support their financial and sustainability goals.”

Furthermore, in addition to savings from reduced energy use, Ferrero received $366,000 in incentives from ComEd for completing energy saving projects such as comprehensive lighting and temperature control enhancements.

These incentives help offset the costs of EE improvements, which helps Ferrero manage overall operational costs. Ferrero’s participation in the ComEd EE Program reflects a collaborative, long-term commitment to energy management and sustainability.

“As a manufacturer and an employer in this community, we take our responsibility seriously,” said Robert Po, Plant Manager of Ferrero’s Franklin Park facility. “Improving energy performance at Franklin Park helps reduce emissions while also strengthening the efficiency and resilience of our operations.”

Ferrero took advantage of a key component of the ComEd EE Program for commercial customers, the Strategic Energy Management (SEM) offering. Through SEM, Ferrero received a free assessment of its facility equipment and operations to identify energy-saving opportunities. This was followed by employee training to embed smart energy practices into day-to-day operations.

“Congratulations to Ferrero for this well-deserved recognition. As a best-in-class manufacturer, Ferrero is leading the way on energy management and sustainability, while producing iconic brands beloved by families across the globe,” said Mark Denzler, president & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. 

As the company noted, since its launch in 2008, the ComEd EE Programme has saved customers a total of over $13 billion on their energy bills and reduced electricity consumption by nearly 112 million megawatt-hours (MWh). These savings are comparable to preventing nearly 84 billion pounds of carbon emissions that contribute to climate change, which is the equivalent of planting 38 million acres of trees.

“On behalf of the Village of Franklin Park, I join ComEd in applauding Ferrero’s efforts in energy efficiency and sustainability which will have an important benefit for our town,” said Irene Avitia, Trustee for the Village of Franklin Park. “By implementing lighting and facility improvements, Ferrero was able to help reduce emissions in our community. I congratulate them on their continued commitment to utilizing sustainable practices that will help protect our planet.”