Poland Spring Bottling of Maine has been in the spotlight lately for reducing their carbon emissions, and biodiesel is part of the reason. The company's environmental efforts were recognized recently by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a leading non-profit environmental organization with more than 700,000 members.

Biodiesel blends have played a major role in Poland Spring's success. In an effort to reduce the company's carbon footprint, Poland Springs switched to a five percent (B5) biodiesel blend in its fleet in 2007. Poland Spring Truck Fleet Manager Chris McKenna estimates that since then, the company has reduced annual carbon emissions by 1.8 million pounds. That is the equivalent of taking approximately 193 cars off the road every year.

Using biodiesel blends has also improved fuel economy in Poland Spring's fleet of 36 tractor trailers and 75 tanker trucks. Biodiesel has been cheaper than its petrol counterpart in Poland Spring's neighborhood and after two years of using biodiesel blends, the company has saved $70,000 in fuel costs alone.

"The switch to biodiesel ended up being a win not just for the environment, but for our company's bottom line as well," McKenna said. "Today, we're saving 5 to 12 cents per gallon and also significantly reducing our carbon emissions."

In addition to using biodiesel blends, the company has reduced truck idling time by 70 percent, resulting in an annual reduction of 77 tons of carbon dioxide and saving roughly $20,000 in reduced fuel costs in 2008.

"Poland Spring is proud that the Environmental Defense Fund chose to recognize our efforts to help protect the environment of local Maine communities in which we operate," McKemma said. "Maine has been our home for over 160 years. We are committed to doing our part to make Maine a better place to live and work through our environmental stewardship and community partnerships."

For more information about Poland Spring, visit www.polandspring.com.

Spring 2010