Going green

Leading British condiments maker, Tracklements, has boosted its production capacity and enhanced its environmental credentials by switching its energy supply from oil to liquid gas from Flogas. The move to modern, efficient liquid gas-fired Fulton VSRT steam boilers is expected to cut the company’s costs by a significant 21 per cent, whilst also reducing carbon emissions by almost 25 per cent and nitrous oxide (NOx) levels by 75 percent.

The Wiltshire-based company has been making condiments for more than 50 years, and has an extensive range of over 60 artisan products, from mustards, ketchups and sauces to pickles, chutneys, jams and jellies. All ‘handmade in small batches’ using natural ingredients, these are made in unique jacketed steam cooking pans that mimic traditional homemade methods, and for the last 40 years they have been powered by two Kerosene oil-fired steam boilers.“We needed to increase our steam capacity to support the continued growth of the business,” said Ben Read, Operations Director at Tracklements.

“But we’re also fully committed to improving our environmental footprint, so we wanted to move away from the higher carbon footprint, which oil represents. By replacing our ageing oil-fired steam boilers with the latest liquid gas-fired VSRT models, we’ve not only increased our steam capacity by 100 percent, but we’ve also cut costs, and significantly reduced our carbon emissions in the process. This was a major factor in our decision, as Tracklements continues to work tirelessly towards our goal of planet-friendly products.”

Cost savings
Having worked with Fulton for over 40 years, Tracklements looked to them to specify a cutting-edge system that would help minimize its environmental impact. Fulton also recommended Flogas as a liquid gas supplier – one that could provide a reliable supply, and trusted on-going service. Flogas and Fulton partnered to deliver Tracklements a full turnkey, end-to-end energy solution that also included all necessary ancillary equipment, as well as service and training contracts.

Commenting on the project, Jeff Byrne, aftercare and business development manager at Fulton said: “By modernizing their steam raising equipment and changing their fuel type to liquid gas, Tracklements can expect an impressive 21 percent financial saving, and a near 25 percent reduction in carbon emissions. These cost savings are based on current gas oil prices before the planned withdrawal of tax relief on red diesel in April 2022, so looking forward, they’re actually far more favorable. Cost and carbon savings can also significantly increase by up to 30 percent when combined with the potential steam system efficiency savings by running the latest fully-modulating, high-turndown liquid gas boilers. What’s more, our liquid gas-fired VSRTs will help minimize other pollutants, with NOx levels projected to reduce by 75 percent compared to the previous oil-fired steam boilers.”

Enhanced efficiencies
Tracklements has a strong environmental policy and holds ISO 14001 certification for its green credentials. “We’re constantly looking at ways we can enhance efficiencies, and minimize the environmental impact of our artisan manufacturing process,” continued Ben Read. “We’re really glad to have now made a great step in that direction. Liquid gas is also more reliable for our business. Our tanks are fitted with auto-ordering technology, so as soon as they hit 40 percent, it triggers a re-order. It’s great peace of mind, and leaves us able to focus on making great green condiments.”

Jude Hurley, Business Energy Manager at Flogas added: “This is a great example of how a simple switch from oil to liquid gas can have a major impact, logistically, financially and environmentally. Not only will the company benefit from a more efficient, reliable fuel with fewer emissions, but it is also setting itself up perfectly for a seamless transition to renewable green gas in the future. Bio-propane is chemically identical to liquid gas, so when the time comes for Tracklements to become carbon neutral, it can be simply dropped in without any changes to equipment or infrastructure. It’s an energy solution that’s truly fit for the future.”

Flogas Britain Ltd
As ‘Experts in Energy’, Flogas has more than 35 years’ experience in providing tailored energy solutions to commercial, industrial and domestic customers across the UK.
For further information, please visit: www.flogas.co.uk/business

Tracklements
Based in the heart of Wiltshire, Tracklements has been making award-winning artisan condiments for over 50 years.
For further information, please visit: www.tracklements.co.uk

Fulton Limited
With manufacturing facilities in the United States, Great Britain and China, Fulton is a global manufacturer of steam, hydronic and thermal fluid heat transfer systems.
For further information, please visit: www.fulton.co.uk