Aramark, a global leader in food, facilities, and uniform services, is dedicated to sustainability and corporate responsibility. With a workforce of over 6,000 employees across Ireland and operations in 19 countries, Aramark serves millions in industries such as education, healthcare, and business. Their mission includes enhancing campus environments, improving healthcare experiences, and reducing environmental impacts.
One of Aramark’s key sustainability challenges was managing food waste efficiently. To address this, they partnered with Harp Renewables to implement the Harp CX2 Biodigester. This solution not only helped reduce landfill waste but also cut carbon emissions and lowered disposal costs. As food waste volumes grew, Aramark upgraded to the Harp CX5, further enhancing their waste processing capabilities and supporting their People Planet Sustainability Strategy.
The Challenge: Managing Growing Food Waste at Capital Dock
Aramark’s headquarters at Capital Dock, Dublin, home to major corporations like Indeed and JP Morgan, faced increasing food waste. They sought a solution that would reduce landfill waste, lower carbon emissions, convert food waste into a usable byproduct, and improve operational efficiency. With the growing demand for food services, a more sustainable waste management approach was essential.
Phase 1: Implementation of Harp CX2
In response to their sustainability goals, Aramark installed the Harp CX2, an aerobic on-site biodigester capable of processing up to 2,000 litres of food waste per week. This system converts food waste into nutrient-rich bio-fertiliser in under 24 hours, supporting Aramark’s green initiatives.
The Harp CX2 proved efficient in managing food waste while helping Aramark achieve measurable environmental benefits. The addition of an automated bin lifter minimized manual handling, making waste disposal smoother and more efficient. The bio-fertiliser produced was used across Capital Dock’s landscaping, reducing the need for commercial compost.
Specifications
- Equipment: Harp CX2 with a Bin Lifter
- Waste Stream: General Food Waste, Canteen Waste, Compostable Packaging
- Capacity: 285 Litres/Day, 2000 Litres/Week, 104,000 Litres/Year
- Estimated CO2 Savings: -1497.2 KgCO2eq (- 1.5 Tonnes CO2eq )
We haven’t sent any waste offsite since we installed the bio-digester. The bio-digester makes people think a bit more about what they are doing and keeps everyone focused on ‘green’ ways to process waste. The process has really been embraced by our tenants. They now unpackage their sent produce. As a result, not only are there no contaminated bins coming through, but we are creating added revenue by bailing our plastic. In preparation for a return to normal operations, we look forward to installing a second Harp CX. We are delighted with this initiative which directly feeds into our ‘People Planet’ Sustainable Strategy.
Phase 2: Upgrading to Harp CX5
As Aramark’s food waste increased, they upgraded to the Harp CX5, a larger model capable of processing up to 5,000 litres of food waste per week. The CX5 not only allowed Aramark to manage their own food waste but also collect organic waste from surrounding businesses, expanding their waste management efforts. This upgrade further strengthened their commitment to sustainability.
The Harp CX5 is equipped with a bin lifter and hopper, increasing efficiency in waste disposal and further reducing the need for manual handling. It also processes larger volumes, making it more suitable for Aramark’s growing needs.
Specifications
- Equipment: Harp CX5 with Hopper and Bin lifter
- Waste Stream: General Food Waste, Canteen Waste, Compostable Packaging
- Capacity: 715 Litres/Day, 5000 Litres/Week, 260,000 Litres/Year
- Estimated CO2 Savings: -3227.4 KgCO2eq (- 3.2 Tonnes CO2eq)
Results & Impact
The transition from Harp CX2 to Harp CX5 has led to significant environmental and operational benefits for Aramark. Waste volume has been reduced by up to 80%, leading to lower disposal and bin waste charges. With the CX5, Aramark can now process larger volumes of food waste, supporting both their internal sustainability initiatives and their efforts to help surrounding businesses and the community.
The use of bio-fertiliser produced by the biodigesters has enriched landscaping at Capital Dock, while the reduction in CO2 emissions has been significant, with the CX5 saving around 3.2 tonnes of CO2 annually. The move to the CX5 is a direct result of the company’s growing sustainability needs and has solidified their leadership in green practices within the corporate sector.
Discover more about our food waste recycler: Harp CX Series
Leading the Way in Sustainable Waste Management
Aramark’s investment in Harp biodigesters has transformed its approach to food waste management. With the implementation of Harp CX2 and later the Harp CX5, Aramark has achieved remarkable success in reducing landfill waste and carbon emissions while also lowering disposal costs. These efforts support their People Planet Sustainability Strategy, demonstrating that innovation in waste management can play a crucial role in building a sustainable future.
For businesses looking to enhance their sustainability efforts and reduce environmental impact, Aramark’s journey offers a practical example of how advanced waste management technology can deliver both economic and environmental benefits.
Learn More About Aramark’s Sustainability Journey: Aramark Ireland
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