Sidel adds solar panels to Parma facility

Blow molding and packaging equipment manufacturer Sidel announced it has installed a state-of-the-art solar panel system at its Parma, Italy, site.

Sidel said in a press release that the new system, which incorporates 5,000 panels, will allow the industrial facility to generate 40 percent of its electricity needs by early 2024 and reduce its annual CO₂ emissions by 871 metric tons — equivalent to the carbon absorption of 43,500 trees. Phase one of the solar panel system is already operational, currently covering 20 percent of the site's electricity needs.

The solar panel installation is part of the company's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, which includes changing lighting to advanced LED systems in 430,556 square feet of the Parma site — which has cut electricity consumption by 60 percent. Plans to convert the site’s heating systems from natural gas to heat pumps are expected to cut CO₂ emissions by a further 1,950 metric tons per year.