DETMOLD FLICKS THE SWITCH TO SOLAR
Packaging and print operation Detmold Group has flicked the switch on solar energy with its Regency Park facility the first of its plants to go live, the company joining a growing number of print and packaging operations moving to power generated direct from the sun.
The Group, which is a regular winner at the print industry awards for its work in printed packaging, says it has made a commitment to introduce solar energy to at least one new facility each year for the next three years. It has just installed its first 99kW 243-panel system at its Regency Park facility, using PV Modules from Australian solar panel manufacturer, Tindo Solar.
Sascha Detmold Cox, CEO of Detmold Group, says the Group was focusing on preserving natural resources, eliminating waste from the environment, and reducing emissions as part of its sustainability objectives, which will be measured against six positive impact targets.
“We haven’t just committed to being sustainable, we’re actioning it by putting panels on our roof, saving energy and reducing emissions at every opportunity,” Detmold Cox said.
“We will be expanding our implementation of solar each year as we know this is important, not just locally, but in our production facilities across Australia and internationally.”
She said the system would prevent 81 tonnes of carbon dioxide being released each year and cut 35 per cent of the site’s carbon emissions annually. Adding that over its lifetime, this initial solar system would reduce emissions equivalent to that produced by 1724 long-haul flights, and would have the same environmental benefit as planting 15,485 trees.
“Every effort counts, and we’ll be increasing our use of renewables annually to not only meet or exceed our own sustainability targets, but to contribute to global reductions.”
As part of its sustainability objectives, the Group says it has also committed to apply Sustainable Packaging Guidelines to all of its products by 2025, divert 95 per cent of waste from landfill across all production facilities, and ensure 80 per cent of fibre used will be forestry-certified or contain recycled content.
Detmold Group aims to provide the first annual report measuring against these targets at the end of this year.
“Using recycled or renewable materials, particularly in food packaging, is becoming a growing priority for consumers and businesses,” Detmold Cox said.
“The same applies for medical products and other packaging. We are working towards being a market leader in more than just packaging – it’s about how we manufacture our products and present them to markets here and internationally.”
Tindo Solar, based in Mawson Lakes, claims to be the only solar panel manufacturer in Australia, engineering panels that are specifically designed to withstand harsh conditions, humidity and heat. Richard Petterson, CEO of Tindo Solar, says he was thrilled to collaborate with the Group on its transition to renewable energy.
“Supporting another great South Australian manufacturer to reduce its carbon emissions and hit its renewable energy targets is an incredibly proud moment for Tindo Solar,” Petterson said.
“Australian manufacturers have a hard time, with offshore supply chains dominating our industry, so it is vital that we also support local jobs and keep manufacturing jobs in Australia.”
This new initiative means that Detmold will join the ranks of other companies that have done the same.
Those making the switch include PMI Prima, which fully transitioned to renewable energy sources, including solar, earlier this year. Heidelberg has said it will be fully carbon neutral by the end of the decade, while Opal's new $140m flexo printing corrugated plant is leveraging its 41,000sqm roof area for solar power.