Not every chip is perfect. Some chips have imperfections that could lead to food waste.
Peter Graziano from Herr Foods, Research and Development Director, stated that “we don’t want the bags to find them.” “We don’t want to just dump them in the trash and fill our landfill.”
James S. Herr, founder of the company, first noticed the problem decades ago. He found a solution that was durable enough to keep trying for decades.
Graziano said, “We have a very special setup here with our farmer down the street, where you can pick those chips and send them to farm for the cattle feed.”
A sophisticated sensor system uses cameras to detect unwanted chips and jetstreams air to move them onto a separate conveyor belt. They will soon be used for a new purpose.
The mixture of popcorn, pretzels, chips, and other snacks is used to feed the cattle at the nearby Herr Angus Farm.
Dylan Beam, a herdsman, says it’s good for the environment and the cattle.
“I think the unique digestive systems of beef cows are kind of what makes everything make sense,” he stated. “And it’s valuable nutrient fo the cattle.”
Herr’s does more than recycle the chip line’s waste.
Beam said, “We can take water from the factory and irrigate fields, which then feeds cattle.” “And the manure then gets put back onto the crop ground.”
Herr’s believes that its sustainability policies are in line with its mission of supporting the local community.
Graziano said, “A lot companies are now just sort of figuring out how to program like this, however we’ve been doing it for decades.” “And for many more decades to come.”
Learn more about Herr FoodsTake a tour of the city. Herr’s Snack FactoryVisit their website.
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