Business case on RECP assessment in "Sam Har" LLC
"Sam Har" LLC specializes in the production of carbonated beverages (lemonade and mineral water) under the trademark "Sipan." In addition, since 2009, the company expanded to compote production, and since 2013, to produce canned food in a new, relocated building. Since 2010, it has produced 15 varieties of compote and jam, two types of jelly, 10 types of natural juice, and four types of marinade under the trademarks "Sipan," "Anush," and "Arevik." The manufacturing facility operates seasonally from May to October, while the labeling and packaging takes place all year round, based on orders. The company sources its raw materials from premium suppliers to ensure the high quality of its goods. Adhering to the ISO 22000 international standard, its products are well-regarded both in Armenia and abroad. The company also maintains an orchard on its premises, cultivating peaches, apricots, and white sweet-cherry. Motivated to achieve more energy-efficient production, the company participated in the RECP Demonstration Project under EaP GREEN (2013-2017). This publication shows the company’s experience reported after the monitoring exercise conducted in 2021, four years after the programme ended.
The RECP assessment examined the production site and identified 16 measures grouped in four RECP options. All 16 measures have been either fully implemented (14 measures) or partly implemented (2 measures):
RECP option 1. Waste reduction and recycling: Organic waste such as dry quince core, pomegranate peel, apricot, and peach kernels are sold to relevant organizations (tea, food, perfume, and cream manufacturers). Peach seeds are repurposed as absorbents for cleaning alcoholic beverages, and other organic waste (excluding apricot and peach kernels) is transformed into bio-humus, for further use as organic fertilizer or for sale.
RECP option 2. Water saving and reuse: The water used to wash the raw materials (excluding the water after the final wash) is repurposed for irrigation purposes, as it doesn't contain side chemicals. Additionally, a water-storing basin was built to wash the manufacturing area and irrigate the garden.
RECP option 3. Material saving and use reduction: Annual staff training sessions take place at the beginning of each season to prevent material and product loss during the processing of raw materials. To minimize the rejection of the final products, the raw materials are received only through signed contracts with suppliers. Sealing cups are meticulously checked for defects, and the quality control device is closely monitored.
RECP option 4. Energy efficiency measures: Strategies like keeping the unused equipment off, repairing and adjusting equipment, installing new, energy-efficient/LED lamps, separating the storage area for finished products from the general manufacturing area, and heating the storeroom only during winter have all increased energy efficiency and reduced consumption.
Partly implemented measures:
- Water reduction and reuse: The water resulting from the final wash of raw materials will be used as a primary wash for the raw materials.
- Energy efficiency: A regular inspection of the thermal networks (external pipelines) will be implemented, and thermal isolation will be implemented, as needed.
Thanks to the RECP Project, “Sam Har” LLC has significantly enhanced product quality, occupational health and safety, and overall environmental performance. The production of compote, jam, jelly, natural juices, and marinade, coupled with the systematic optimization and restructuring of the production processes, has ensured continuity and minimized risks and interruptions. By maintaining an adequate internal climate, investing in energy-efficient systems, and implementing the proposed RECP measures, “Sam Har” LLC is poised to capture larger markets and achieve economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Its proactive approach resulted in improved housekeeping, enhanced process controls, equipment modifications, and product enhancements, among other positive outcomes.
Moreover, the company is keen on continuing the implementation of resource efficiency measures, as this has consistently delivered environmental, financial, and social benefits.
