LPG gets condiment brand out of a pickle

A leading British condiments producer has boosted its production capacity and enhanced its environmental credentials by switching its energy supply from oil to LPG

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, and made in unique jacketed steam cooking pans that mimic traditional homemade methods. For the past 40 years they’ve been powered by two Kerosene oil-fired steam boilers.

The move to modern, efficient LPG steam boilers is expected to cut the company’s costs by a significant 21%, whilst also reducing carbon emissions by almost 25% and nitrous oxide (NOx) levels by 75%.

The Operations Director at the condiments company commented:

“We needed to increase our steam capacity to support the continued growth of the business, 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 LPG VSRT models we’ve not only increased our steam capacity by 100%, but we’ve also cut costs and significantly reduced our carbon emissions in the process. This was a major factor in our decision and we continue to work tirelessly towards our goal of planet-friendly products.

Having worked with the same brand of boilers for over 40 years, we wanted a cutting-edge system that would help minimise environmental impact. They also recommended a reputable liquid gas supplier that could provide a reliable supply and on-going service. The companies partnered to deliver a full turnkey, end-to-end energy solution that also included ancillary equipment, servicing and training contracts.”

The aftercare and business development manager for the boiler company commented:

“By modernising their steam raising equipment and changing their fuel type to LPG, the business can expect an impressive 21% financial saving and a near 25% reduction in carbon emissions. These cost savings are based on current gas and oil prices before the planned withdrawal of tax relief on red diesel in April 2022, so looking forward they’re actually far more favourable.

Cost and carbon savings can also significantly increase by up to 30% 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 minimise other pollutants, with NOx levels projected to reduce by 75% compared to the previous oil-fired steam boilers.”

The Wiltshire condiments producer has a strong environmental policy and holds ISO 14001 certification for its green credentials. Commenting on this the Operations Director said:

“We’re constantly looking at ways we can enhance efficiencies and minimise the environmental impact of our artisan manufacturing processes and we’re really glad to have now made a great step in that direction. LPG is also more reliable for our business. Our tanks are fitted with auto-ordering technology, so as soon as they hit 40%, it triggers a re-order. It’s great peace of mind and leaves us able to focus on making great green condiments.”

This is a great example of how a simple switch from oil to LPG 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 LPG, so when the time comes for them to become carbon neutral, it can be simply dropped in without any changes to equipment or infrastructure. LPG provides an energy solution that’s truly fit for the future.