Palsgaard Mexico uses solar power
18 September 2012 – The Mexican subsidiary of Palsgaard has installed a new photovoltaic solar panel system. The facility will produce enough electric power to cover 85% of the facility’s energy consumption.
Miguel Hidalgo, managing director of the Mexican facility, says, “This will result in a positive impact by minimising external energy requirements and decrease CO2 emissions, hence reducing our carbon footprint.”
In addition to its factory producing emulsifier/stabiliser specialities Palsgaard Mexico has high-tech pilot facilities for margarines and special fats, UHT milks and its derivatives, fermented dairy, ice cream, bakery and the production of chocolates. The facility is located in the state of San Luis Potosí, which has a particularly high level of strong solar radiation. Hidalgo explains, “Despite this, there aren’t many similar projects in our area and we would like to set an example for the industry. Being socially responsible is a key part of our company strategy and as important as the economic subject.”
It is not the first time that Palsgaard Mexico has attracted attention for its forward thinking on environmental issues. In 2009 and 2011, it was awarded the Industria Limpia ‘Clean Industry’ certificate by the Mexican Federal Attorney of Environmental Protection. This is given to companies that on their own initiative commence a series of activities toward the protection of the environment.
The facility, similar to Palsgaard worldwide, works permanently on new technologies and systems for more efficient processes. “We have invested in environmental issues for years, such as reducing electric and water consumption, proper handling of gas emissions and disposal of water and solid waste. We also extend this to our personnel and train them in ecological issues so they bring this habit to their communities to create and strengthen a culture of care towards the environment,” notes Hidalgo.
The solar panel installation is just one example of the attention to CSR in the company’s global business practices, which include the ambitious goal of becoming CO2 neutral in 2020. Palsgaard has just started construction of its latest factory in Malaysia, designed according to the highest standards in terms of production technology, energy consumption and environmental influence. It is scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2013.
