Recycling process water efficiently
A 650,000-gpd recovery system recycles up to 75% of process water, helping the plant save 100 million gallons annually.
Client
Frito-Lay
Location
Casa Grande, Arizona
Markets
Priorities
Transforming manufacturing through sustainable methods
To achieve its goals of cutting water, waste and energy use, Frito-Lay partnered with CDM Smith to deliver an advanced process water treatment and recovery system while adding on-site solar generation.
Producing clean water to USEPA standards
Advanced treatment (MBR, RO, carbon and UV) meets drinking water standards, enabling safe reuse in food production.
Powering operations sustainably
A 5-MW solar installation spanning over 36 acres generates nearly all daytime electricity, reducing reliance on grid energy.
Minimizing waste generation
With 80% of construction debris and food byproducts repurposed, the facility now sends less than 1% of waste to landfill.
Frito-Lay’s net-zero initiative shows how integrated water reuse, renewable energy and resource recovery can reshape industrial manufacturing. “We are proud to have helped Frito-Lay meet its sustainability goals and reduce its environmental impact,” says drinking water expert Tim Rynders.
Together, these upgrades created a scalable model for net-zero food production that reduces resource use and supports long-term sustainability.
Client
Frito-Lay
Location
Casa Grande, Arizona