Hatco, a foodservice equipment provider, announced its commitment to sustainability, which it has branded “ECOization.” ECOization encompasses Hatco’s ongoing process to reduce waste, save energy, and reduce its carbon footprint—not only with operations and products, but also by partnering with vendors and suppliers who share this common goal.

“ECOization is here to stay,” says David Rolston, president and CEO of Hatco Corporation. “By implementing this strategy, we are doing everything reasonable to manufacture our products and provide our services using the least amount of energy possible and producing the least amount of waste possible. In some cases, we are also reducing cost, so it’s a win-win proposition.”

Although Hatco has applied sustainability practices since the mid-nineties, it continues to scrutinize its manufacturing process to minimize power consumption. In 2004, all factory lights were replaced with high-efficiency T8 fluorescent lights. Low-heat cleaners and conditioners in the powdercoat line area were installed in 2006, saving 2.6 billion BTUs per year—enough energy to power more than 66 average U.S. homes. Most recently, it replaced its exhaust system with a variable frequency drive motor and heat recovery, saving 38,983 kilowatt hours annually.

On the product development side, Hatco conducts ongoing research to proactively develop environmentally friendly equipment and packaging. Hatco holding cabinets are Energy Star rated and Electric Booster Water Heaters utilize immersion elements, making them 98 percent efficient. Refrigerated Drop-In Wells feature efficient compressors and insulation that emits no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) by using a green-friendly blowing agent. In addition, all Hatco products are compliant with Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) international regulations.

Hatco’s ECOization philosophy is extended to its employees, who engage in single-stream recycling, which allows them to mix recyclable materials in one bin—a process where vendors recover as much as three times the amount of recyclable materials versus previous recycling methods. Employees are also encouraged to practice ECOization at home in an effort to reduce overall energy consumption and waste output.

“As an organization and as individuals, it’s important that we continue to challenge ourselves to find new ways to be efficient and do our part to protect our resources for future generations,” Rolston says.