Putting fizz into local businesses

Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE), which has a base in Northfield Drive, Northfield, is sponsoring the energy and environmental category in this year’s local Chamber of Commerce awards.

In a major sign of its commitment to cutting its own carbon footprint, CCE has recently decided to invest £1.75m in a fleet of 14 biomethane heavy goods trucks, and in the refuelling infrastructure to operate them.

CCE Milton Keynes is one of the compay’s six manufacturing sites in the UK.

About 200 people are employed in the 24/7 operation that produces on average 35-40 million cases of soft drinks a year which equates to 17 per cent of the volume in Great Britain.

Milton Keynes’ general manager Steve Thorpe said: “We work hard to conduct our business in ways that protect and preserve the environment.

“We continue to look for ways in which we can minimise our environmental impact, particularly focusing on energy and water usage, and packaging.”

The company’s heritage stretches back more than 30 years in Milton Keynes. The site is home to Capri Sun and is the sole producer for McDonalds in the UK.

An £11 million canning line was officially opened in August 2009. It is one of nine at the site that can produce 3.4 million cans and 1.28 million Capri-Sun pouches per day.

But zero waste is sent to landfill and water usage is well below standard.

l For more information on the awards and tickets visit www.mk-chamber.co.uk