Pictured above: Richard Parnell, sales director of BHJ UK

Tipton based BHJ UK Protein Foods Ltd has invested £13,000 in advanced LED lighting as part of its company wide strategy to reduce its environmental impact.

The meat protein ingredients specialist has installed LED lighting in its cooking, milling and raw material intake facilities throughout its factory, in a bid to lower the environmental impact of its operations.

It is expected to save the company an estimated £10,000 per annum and reduce CO2 usage by approximately 40t per annum.

BHJ UK has also optimised its milling production to run longer, but less frequently, replaced a poorly designed heat exchanger and installed a solar energy powered heat recovery system to heat hot water used in cleaning.

The company has been setting environmental targets since 2008 as part of its on-going drive to reduce its carbon footprint in the meat trade industry. 

Sales director of BHJ UK, Richard Parnell said: "We're very conscious of our role in reducing the amount of energy we consume in day-to-day factory operations.  

"BHJ UK has been setting on-going targets and adopting positive environmental choices via regular factory wide assessments.

"By doing this we are able to demonstrate positive energy savings to customers and take responsibility of our carbon output."

BHJ UK has over 30 years' experience developing functional proteins for meat manufacturers. Its wide-ranging product portfolio delivers direct benefits such as reduced formulation costs and improved product texture. 

The company became the first BQAP-approved producer in its sector in 2007, and 2010 saw it renew the accreditation for its DRINDE range for the third consecutive year.

Made from 100 per cent British pork product, BQAP DRINDE® is a versatile functional meat ingredient which helps bind fat and water while delivering excellent textural properties and value in pork-based products.