Tiger Brands has invested heavily in alternative generation to avoid load shedding, but it comes at a price. (Photo: Tiger Brands)
Food manufacturer Tiger Brands has reached an important milestone in its transition to renewable energy, with solar power systems now in use at seven of its manufacturing plants across South Africa.
The company says the solar power projects form part of an investment to expand the use of sustainable energy solutions, reduce dependence on conventional electricity and reduce its carbon footprint.
The plants are located in the Free State, Gauteng, North West and KwaZulu-Natal and already produce energy that is used directly for manufacturing processes.
The latest plant to join the program is Tiger Brands’ manufacturing facility in Boksburg. The plant switched to solar power since May this year, after the company signed a power purchase agreement with Solar Africa.
Well-known household products such as All Gold ketchup, Crosse & Blackwell mayonnaise and KOO baked beans are produced at this plant.
Tiger Brands has signed an agreement to sell its soft fruit processing business to a consortium. (Photo: koo.co.za)
According to Praveen Balgobind, head of manufacturing at Tiger Brands, the investment forms part of the company’s long-term strategy to create a more sustainable and resilient manufacturing footprint.
“Our investment in renewable energy is about building a more sustainable manufacturing environment, while supporting South Africa’s transition to a lower carbon economy,” said Balgobind.
He says solar power is already helping several of the company’s plants to reduce their dependence on traditional electricity sources and at the same time improve operational efficiency.
Tiger Brands has committed to source around 31% of its electricity needs from renewable energy sources by 2030. The company also aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 30% and improve energy efficiency by the same percentage.