SunOpta, a food and beverage company headquartered in Minnesota, is aiming to harness more sunlight for its operations. The company has recently set up a new rooftop solar system at its U.S. headquarters and innovation center located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. This solar panels is expected to fulfill up to two-thirds of SunOpta’s yearly energy requirements.
SunOpta places significant emphasis on energy management as a key component of its comprehensive sustainability objectives. The integration of renewable energy at its headquarters is in line with SunOpta’s initiative to decrease its electricity consumption within its plant facilities by 40% and natural gas usage by 30%, as detailed in its 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report. In 2022, SunOpta successfully reduced electricity consumption in its U.S. and Canadian plant facilities by 31.7% compared to the baseline year of 2019.
“Sustainability is ingrained in our identity as a producer of plant-based food and beverages,” stated Joe Ennen, CEO of SunOpta. “Solar power represents a triple victory for us: benefiting the environment, the community through reduced reliance on public utilities, and our business through long-term cost savings. As we aim to achieve $2 billion in sales by 2030, it is crucial that we prioritize sustainability. Our recent venture into solar energy is just one of the many ESG initiatives that underpin our commitment.”
The company is actively striving to attain a zero-waste-to-landfill status at both its manufacturing facilities and corporate headquarters. Currently, six of its manufacturing sites have successfully reached this milestone, while two others are awaiting third-party validation.
Established close to half a century ago, SunOpta produces natural, organic, and specialty items distributed through retail and foodservice avenues. Serving as a manufacturer for prominent natural and private label labels, the company also takes pride in crafting its own brands such as Sown, Dream, West Life, and Sunrise Growers.
