Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced an investment of $500,000 to Browning Harvey Limited of St. John’s, NL, to support the introduction of eco-efficient production measures and the addition of new operational efficiencies. The Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, and Member of Parliament for Labrador, noted the investment would help the province’s only locally owned and operated soft-drink bottler.
“Our support is helping Browning Harvey secure its continued competitiveness by incorporating technologies that keep it at the leading edge of industry standards in meeting customer demands,” said Minister Penashue. “By introducing an eco-efficient bottling line the company underscores its commitment to environmentally sustainable business practices that benefit both the community and the company.”
Browning Harvey is an independent manufacturer and distributer of liquid refreshment beverages in Newfoundland and Labrador and has franchise agreements with PepsiCo Beverages Canada. PepsiCo Beverages Canada has developed the 7UP Ecogreen ™ bottle which is North America’s first soft drink bottle made from 100 percent recycled PET plastic. The introduction of the 7UP EcoGreen™ bottle will reduce the amount of virgin plastic used by PepsiCo Beverages Canada by approximately six million pounds over the course of one year, which will result in a reduction of more than 30 percent in greenhouse gases.
“Browning-Harvey Limited is very excited to introduce this environmentally sustainable packaging to our production process and sees its incorporation into our beverage portfolio as a natural fit with company’s eco-efficient commitment,” said John Patten, President of Browning Harvey Limited. The investment from ACOA will allow the company to meet changing industry expectations for the most updated packaging formats while continuing its efforts to develop and apply eco-efficient processes. Specifically, Browning Harvey will implement rPET Capability utilizing 100% recycled plastic for bottling its 7Up PET packages, and Bag- in-Box Capability for fountain carbonated drinks.
Financial assistance is being provided through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP) as a repayable investment. The BDP focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises, and is designed to help set-up, expand and modernize a business.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Peter Penashue, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a repayable investment of $500,000 to help local soft-drink bottler, Browning Harvey Limited of St. John’s, update its packaging formats to ensure the company remains at the industry’s leading edge in employing environmentally sustainable eco-efficient production processes.
The financial assistance is being provided through ACOA’s Business Development Program.
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INFORMATION:
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-772-2935
Scott Antle
Director of Finance
Browning Harvey Limited
709-579-4116
