Twice as Nice for Uncle Ben's Rice: PIA story

Uncle Ben's have used innovative technology to reduce the cooking time of their rice by half which has reduced the average greenhouse gas emissions of preparing this type of rice by 18 percent.
Oct 15, 2013 7:00 AM ET

Since opening the world’s first commercial parboiling rice plant in Houston, Texas, in 1943, we have used innovative technology to reduce the cooking time of our UNCLE BEN'S® rice by half. It now takes 10 minutes to cook, which has reduced the average greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) of preparing this type of rice by 18 percent. For more information on the impact of growing rice, see Our Supply Chain.

Consumers affect GHG emissions through the amount of water they use, as it takes more energy to heat a larger volume, and whether they cook the rice using gas, electricity or a microwave, for example. We share helpful tips with our consumers on our packaging about how to cook UNCLE BEN'S® rice in a way that reduces energy use and GHG emissions during preparation.

Suggestions include putting a lid on the pan, a simple step that can reduce the GHG emissions of the cooking stage by up to 70 percent. To learn more watch this video.