It starts with the raw material: the potato. The new factory has advanced sorting facilities to determine which potatoes are most suitable for making fries or other products. That means less loss through cutting, and therefore less waste.

Halving water use

The cut fries go through different production phases, during which water is used in a smart way for multiple processes. This water cascading results in water use being halved for this subprocess.

Residual heat for the neighbors

And then, of course, there is energy use. Most of the energy is used to make steam, which is needed to heat the baking oven to 180˚C. Thanks to a smart heating system, Lamb Weston is able to use residual heat in the new factory and switch hot and cold. In this way, the heat from the steam peeler is reused by coupling it to the steps of the process that require this temperature. And the low-grade heat that remains at the end of the production process goes to the neighbors, Wiskerke Onions, who need to dry their onions at 30˚C.

Ready for hydrogen

Solar panels on the roof, energy efficient installations and an office space with an A+++ energy label are all a good fit for Lamb Weston’s sustainable mission. And although the boiler still works on gas, it’s technically ready to switch to hydrogen. So if that becomes a possibility in the future, there won’t be any need for a new boiler.

Mindset

“It’s difficult to look far into the future and predict what the role of hydrogen will be, but we want to keep our options open in that area. In addition, it’s a good idea that we have the option to switch at some point,” says Wouter Smit, VP supply chain. He doesn’t need to think long when asked why there’s such a clear focus on sustainability. “Sustainability is in our DNA. We are a value-driven organization in which, among other things, integrity is central. For us, that means not only operating honestly and transparently but also taking care of the society and environment in which we’re active.”

Developing strategy

Many companies wrestle with making their production processes more sustainable. They often begin full of good intentions, but their motivation decreases quickly when it becomes clear what is involved. “It only works if you’re coming from a place of conviction and if you develop a strategy,” says Smit. “That’s why we always look first at which things we can really influence. Only then do we map out our plans.”

Flagship

So it’s a practical approach, and they’ve come a long way with it. “In terms of sustainability, we’re streets ahead with this factory, including compared to our other factories. That means we have every opportunity to significantly reduce water and energy use at those other factories. In that sense, this new factory in Kruiningen is a flagship in Lamb Weston’s global production network.”

Initiator

“The advantage of a new factory is that you get the possibility to redesign the production processes and purchase the equipment you need,” adds Mariska van Dalen. As Director Sustainability by Design at Lamb Weston, she’s an initiator who ensures that the factories’ ambitions are brought to reality.

Not just a fad

“Our focus on sustainability isn’t a fad,” emphasizes Van Dalen. “It’s a permanent program. Sustainability is an integral part of our company’s vision. That’s not always easy; even though investing in sustainability can save costs in the long term, it isn’t always possible to get the business case right. When that’s the case, it’s good to have a management team that not only looks at the money needed for an investment, but also at the broader picture and the importance of sustainable business operations for the future.

A good example of this is the sustainable step Lamb Weston took at the end of 2024: introducing packaging comprising 60% bio-circular plastic made of used cooking oil for the retail segment.

A topic of conversation during job interviews

Of course, the company needed to bring in new employees for the new factory – and do this while there are shortages on the labor market. Yet they found new employees relatively quickly, thanks in part to the company’s sustainable image.

Van Dalen says it’s noticeable during the job application process. “Whether it’s a leadership or factory operator position, we clearly see during interviews that the candidates have read our sustainability report. And it doesn’t really matter whether they’re young or old: they all say it’s an important and attractive aspect. So our focus on sustainability is helping us in this respect too.”