Atlantic Potato Distributors Ltd

Growing Green: How Atlantic Potato Distributors is Cultivating a Sustainable Future

Atlantic Potato Distributors Ltd (APD), led by President Mark Hanscome, has been a cornerstone of the Perth-Andover, NB community since its inception in 1993. With a focus on sustainable agriculture, growing their own potatoes, and supporting local farmers, APD has evolved into a year-round fresh potato packing operation, efficiently shipping high-quality produce.

As a second-generation business hoping to transition to a third, sustainability is crucial for unlocking future potential. Embracing this shift makes businesses more attractive and competitive. By adopting clean technologies and practices, they can save money, lower operating costs, and stay ahead of the competition.

With the help of interest-free loans from ACOA, APD has taken significant steps to reduce its environmental impact. The company has built Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) buildings, which lower energy consumption, require less maintenance, and improve indoor air quality. Additionally, APD has purchased an industrial cardboard compactor to streamline recycling, reduce waste disposal costs, and improve workplace efficiency. APD’s newest project with ACOA focuses on enhancing the sustainability of its potato washing operations. This initiative aims to reduce water usage, minimize waste, and improve overall efficiency, positioning APD as a leader in environmental and affordable business practices.

“The changes we are making demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social responsibility, which are improving our stakeholder relationships by reducing waste, promoting recycling, and using less packaging,” said Hanscome. “The assistance, knowledge and support from ACOA has made it possible for us to implement changes to improve energy efficiency and waste reduction.”

APD encourages other businesses to partner with ACOA to explore opportunities for affordable and environmentally friendly solutions that provide a competitive edge. With information, pathfinding and funding programs available, ACOA can help small and medium-sized businesses implement meaningful sustainability improvements effectively helping them cut costs, boost energy efficiency, and lower their environmental footprint.

Going green keeps businesses competitive as we move toward a global net-zero economy. By prioritizing environmental responsibility, family-run APD is securing a better future and setting a standard for the industry.