ITALY – Global packaging leader Sidel has completed constructing a vast solar photovoltaic (PV) system at its Parma plant in Italy.
This environmentally friendly initiative allows the facility to generate 40% of its electricity, significantly reducing its carbon dioxide (CO₂) footprint.
The 5,000-panel system is one of the largest corporate PV installations in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It generates 2,900 MWh of electricity annually, equivalent to the yearly consumption of more than 1,000 Parma households.
This translates to a reduction of 871 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, the same amount absorbed by 43,500 trees.
This project is part of Sidel’s €5 million (US$5.36 million) investment in the Parma plant’s energy transition.
“Our decarbonization strategy aims for a 50% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions—resulting from our operations and energy consumption—by 2030,” said Francesca Bellucci, sustainability director of Sidel.
“We achieved this goal ahead of schedule, reducing our emissions by 75% in 2023 compared to 2019. The full implementation of the photovoltaic system in Parma allows us to take another important step towards achieving zero net emissions across our entire value chain by 2050.”
Sidel’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond this project. All its production sites globally, including Parma, are certified by the International Organization for Standardization 14001 for environmental management.
This certification ensures a continuous reduction of the company’s environmental impact. Integrating sustainability principles into operations aims to lessen a company’s carbon footprint and enhance operational efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness.
“We are particularly proud to have put the entire system into operation, providing the plant with self-generated clean energy,” said Riccardo Rosselli, VP for Global Sites & Facility Management at Sidel and Parma site leader.
“This is a very important step towards achieving our environmental sustainability goals for the headquarters and the plant, which align with the sustainability targets that the city of Parma aims to accomplish by 2030.”
New office in Kazakhstan
In other news, Sidel has established a new office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on June 12, 2024. This strategic decision aims to bring Sidel’s expertise closer to its customers and support regional growth. Sidel has served the Central Asia and Caucasus (CCA) region for over 10 years.
The region is a significant market, with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, and Armenia exhibiting growing GDP and disposable income levels.
Building upon strong relationships with fast-moving consumer goods producers in CCA, Sidel will continue to invest significantly in this region, providing high-standard solutions and services while supporting local market needs.
“Being closer to our customers will enable us to better understand evolving market and consumer trends, helping to provide even more tailor-made solutions to local businesses and support our customers’ growth as the region continues to develop,” said Marina De Barros, EVP Customer Management ECA at Sidel.
The new office will give producers direct access to Sidel’s regional expertise, including local project management, advanced engineering solutions, and on-the-ground support services that understand and respond to local market nuances.
“Delivering top value to our customers is the primary aim for Sidel. By combining our global expertise in advanced packaging solutions with our local presence, we will continue to bring innovation to the region—from packaging design and blowing to filling, labeling, packing, palletizing, and a wealth of services to optimize the performance of our customers’ lines,” added Gilles Bouvier, Services VP for ECA at Sidel.
Sidel is also committed to investing in the local labor market, leveraging local talent, and developing skills in all core operational functions, including sales, project management, and services.
“We are eager to contribute to the region’s economic development to grow sustainably and responsibly. By expanding our footprint, we reaffirm our commitment as a trusted partner for growth for our customers across the area,” commented Guillaume Rolland, VP Sales Beverages ECA at Sidel.
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