Industry News

Essentra, a leading provider of essential components and solutions, has furthered its commitment to making direct operations net zero by 2040, with its manufacturing site in Jiangxi, China, now being powered by solar panels.

Supporting its emissions reduction targets, and aligned with science-based thinking, the solar array installation is a significant step towards realising Essentra’s sustainability goals. It will generate up to 1,650,000kWh of energy annually, reducing the site’s reliance on fossil fuel generated electricity and avoiding the unnecessary generation of an estimated 1,000t CO₂e of emissions each year.

The installation follows the commissioning of a 6,000m² solar array at Essentra’s manufacturing site in Rayong, Thailand, as part of the company wide pledge to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25%, by 2025.

Jennifer Spence, head of sustainability strategy at Essentra PLC, said the panels are a step forward in reducing direct emissions. “The solar array reflects our overarching aim to reduce carbon emissions and practice sustainability in manufacturing across all of our global sites. With ESG targets in mind, and the rising costs of energy prices, being energy independent, and efficient, not only helps us positively impact the environment, but also saves money in the same process.”

The installation of solar panels is just one part of a comprehensive programme of measures to reduce carbon emissions and make better use of energy, including the use of more efficient equipment and carrying out regular energy audits to identify where further improvements can be made.