How we reduced water consumption by 34% for a beverage producer
Can you cut costs and care for the environment at the same time? With Sokole Sady Sp. z o.o. from the vicinity of Supraśl, we proved it. We show how, through concrete steps, we reduced their water consumption by exactly 34.3% in 4 weeks.
A brief history of Sokole Sady and their challenge
Sokole Sady Sp. z o.o. is a regional producer of juices and beverages that has been operating in Podlasie since April 2008. They are known for natural ingredients and good taste. When they came to us, they had concrete numbers on the table – rising water bills that were heavily burdening their operational budget. This was a problem that required quick and thoughtful intervention.
It wasn't just about costs. They were also increasingly asked about environmental issues. Customers, and even potential investors, pay attention to how a company cares for the planet. This was a clear signal that something needed to change, and quickly, to maintain market position and meet new stakeholder expectations.
They wanted to improve their financial balance, but also their image. They wanted to be a company that cares about nature and is responsible. They knew that without external support, it would be difficult for them to calculate and plan this properly. That's why they came to Podlaska Symbioza Biznesu, seeking practical solutions.
The problem / When water escapes from the tap and pocket
Before our intervention, Sokole Sady used an average of 137 cubic meters of water per day for production processes, mainly for bottle washing and cooling. That's a lot, especially for their production volume. Monthly water and sewage charges in Q3 2024 reached 18,740 PLN. Such numbers simply hurt and hinder the company's further development.
We noticed a lack of precise monitoring of consumption at individual production stages. No one knew exactly where most of the water was escaping. Line cleaning processes were set 'by eye,' and the cooling system ran non-stop, without optimization. It was a bit like someone having a leaky pot and adding more water instead of looking for the leak – the waste was visible to the naked eye.
This state of affairs meant not only financial losses. It also carried reputational risk. Companies that do not care about resources are increasingly poorly perceived by the market and consumers today. Sokole Sady was aware of this and was looking for concrete ways to improve this situation and demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection.
Our action: Where did we look for savings?
We started with a detailed audit of all processes where water was used. For the first 5 days, we spent time at the Sokole Sady plant near Supraśl, measuring and observing every tap, every pipe, every tank. Maja Nowak, our lead ESG analyst, along with Paweł Kot, process engineer, carefully analyzed data from the past 18 months. Specifics matter – we had to be sure we were relying on facts.
We checked everything: from raw material washing, through technological processes, to machine cleaning. We discovered several places where water was used senselessly – for example, in cooling systems that operated at maximum power, although it was not always necessary. Or bottle washing, which was too long and too intense, without real benefits for product quality. These were simple errors that generated high costs.
After collecting the data, we created a list of recommendations. These were not magic solutions, but simple, yet effective changes. We proposed implementing a water recirculation system in designated areas, installing more precise flow sensors, and training the staff on new, more economical procedures. No beating around the bush – we pointed out exactly what and how to improve, step by step.
Eco-logically to profit. We pointed out where water was being wasted. This was key.
Eco-logically to profit. We pointed out where water was being wasted. This was key.
Implementation: How did it work in practice?
The implementation phase lasted 4 weeks, according to the agreed schedule. First, we installed new flow sensors at 7 key points on the production line. Thanks to this, Sokole Sady had an immediate overview of how much water they were currently consuming, not just once a month. This is a basic step to even begin saving and controlling resources.
Next, we implemented a water recirculation system, initially in the crate washing area. Water after initial rinsing was filtered and reused for the first stages of cleaning. This saved approximately 28 cubic meters of water per day for this one activity alone. We focus on action, and this was a perfect example of a quick and measurable effect.
We also conducted short but concise training sessions for 23 production line employees. We showed them how to operate the new systems and how to make minor changes in their daily work to use less water. Often, small habits lead to large savings, and employee engagement was invaluable here. Incidentally, it was the staff who proposed several of their own ideas for further improvements.
Effects: 34.3% less water, smaller bills
After the first month of implementation, the numbers spoke for themselves. Average daily water consumption dropped from 137 to 89.8 cubic meters. This means a concrete reduction of 34.3%. Water and sewage bills decreased by 6,427 PLN per month. As you can see, Eco-logically to profit is not just a slogan. We check the numbers, and they match with two decimal places.
Bills dropped by 6,427 PLN per month. Specifics matter, and these numbers are proof.
In addition to direct savings, the company significantly improved its ESG indicators, which is important for attracting new investors and building reputation. They received concrete data for their annual report, confirming a real reduction in environmental impact. Frankly, this was one of the faster projects where the results came so quickly and were so easily measurable.
They also gained something more – the awareness that small process changes can bring big benefits. The staff felt part of something bigger, and morale increased because they saw that their work had a real impact on the company's results and the environment. This is important when building a responsible business where everyone feels a sense of purpose.
Bills dropped by 6,427 PLN per month. Specifics matter, and these numbers are proof.
Conclusions: Action is key
The story of Sokole Sady proves that ecological actions have a real impact on finances. You don't have to immediately invest in expensive, complicated systems. Often, a thorough audit, a few clever changes, and employee engagement are enough. Being from Podlasie allows us to understand the specifics of local companies and their needs – we know the realities of the regional market firsthand.
For Podlaska Symbioza Biznesu, this project is another success that shows we focus on action. We don't sell empty promises, but measurable results. If your company is struggling with similar problems – whether it's water, energy consumption, or other ESG issues – we know how to help, because we have experience with concrete cases.
Remember that responsible business today is not just a fad, but simply a smart long-term strategy. No beating around the bush – it's worth checking and seeing how much you can save. Contact us, and we'll calculate together what can be done in your company. Maybe tomorrow you'll start saving, just like Sokole Sady Sp. z o.o., and improve your results.
