SIG Group Ltd.

12/01/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/01/2022 01:41

Construction of massive 10.25MWp solar installation begins at SIG’s German production site in Linnich

Construction of massive 10.25MWp solar installation begins at SIG's German production site in Linnich

December 01, 2022

Announced today, the construction of a vast solar installation at SIG's production site in Linnich, Germany, will see SIG further extend its lead in the beverage carton industry in the use of renewable energy. The 10.25MWp system, made up of 22,300 photovoltaic solar panels, will be the largest photovoltaic system at an SIG plant to date.

"The thousands of solar panels we are installing in Linnich will double our on-site renewable energy capacity in Germany," said Arnold Schuhwerk, Head of Category Polymers & Energy Global at SIG. "This latest investment shows that SIG is not only committed to continue making its beverage cartons with 100% renewable energy, but to continually improve the quality of that renewable energy through physical power purchase agreements."

Maximising on-site capacity

SIG is already the first and only aseptic carton manufacturer to produce all its packs with 100% renewable energy globally since 2018.

The company recently secured physical power purchase agreements that will provide enough renewable energy capacity to power 100% of its carton packaging production in Germany from January 2023 - and the Linnich installation will enable more of this to come from its own sites.

Construction has begun on a gigantic ground-standing system of 20,600 panels that will occupy an 80,000m2 area in front of the Linnich plant - that's the equivalent of 11 soccer fields side by side. A further 1,700 panels will cover the plant's rooftop to maximise potential to solar power on the site.

As the owner and operator of the Linnich photovoltaic system, Leipziger Stadtwerke will pass on the solar power generated directly to SIG through a long-term power purchase agreement. The power will go straight into the production of SIG carton packs at the site.

"Leipziger Stadtwerke is driving forward the expansion of renewable energies, including working with partners like SIG. The solar installation at the SIG plant in Linnich is another milestone towards the decarbonising of energy systems in Germany," says Maik Piehler, Managing Director of Leipziger Stadtwerke. "We are pleased to be able to make an important contribution to this. The project is one of the largest photovoltaic self-supply systems with direct connection in Germany that is operated without using the public grid and without any subsidies on industrial land."

Going Way Beyond Good for climate

SIG already doubled its on-site solar capacity in 2021 to 11.3MWp and plans to triple this again within the next year. The Linnich system will play a big part in this expansion, together with installations in development at other SIG plants in Germany, Saudi Arabia and Mexico.

The company's focus on renewable energy is part of SIG's Way Beyond Good Climate+ ambition that is driving down value chain carbon emissions for its business and its customers.

Use of renewable energy for carton packaging production has already avoided over half a million tonnes of CO2-equivalent and these savings will continue to grow. The new Linnich installation alone will generate enough renewable electricity to reduce more than 3,150 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.

Find out more about The Way Beyond Good

For more information on SIG's Climate+ commitment and the Way Beyond Good, see www.waybeyondgood.com and the SIG Annual Report 2021.

December 01, 2022

About SIG
SIG is a leading packaging solutions provider for a more sustainable world. With our unique portfolio of aseptic carton, bag-in-box, and spouted pouch we work in partnership with our customers to bring food and beverage products to consumers around the world in a safe, sustainable and affordable way. Our technology and outstanding innovation capabilities enable us to provide our customers with end-to-end solutions for differentiated products, smarter factories and connected packs, all to address the ever-changing needs of consumers. Sustainability is integral to our business and we are going Way Beyond Good to create a net positive food packaging system.

Founded in 1853, SIG is headquartered in Neuhausen, Switzerland. The skills and experience of our approximately 8,400 employees worldwide enable us to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of our customers in over 100 countries. In 2021, SIG produced 48 billion packs and generated €2.7 billion in revenue (incl. Scholle IPN and Evergreen Asia unaudited revenue). SIG has an AA ESG rating by MSCI, a 13.4 (low risk) score by Sustainalytics and a Platinum CSR rating by EcoVadis. For more information, visit www.sig.biz
For insights into trends that drive the food and beverage industry, visit our SIGnals blog: https://www.sig.biz/signals/en

About Leipziger Stadtwerke
Leipziger Stadtwerke supplies energy to support quality of life and economic activity in the Leipzig region. Together with its subsidiary Netz Leipzig, it offers the full spectrum of expertise and services relating to the generation and distribution of electricity, gas and district heating. With intelligent, futureproof and sustainable solutions, the municipal energy supplier is opening up the energy world of tomorrow and is pushing ahead with the expansion of renewable energies. Leipziger Stadtwerke supports its private and business customers as a partner with many years of experience, know-how, decentralised solutions and innovative technologies. The efficient network forms the foundation needed for the secure and reliable supply of energy for all citizens in the long term. Further information: www.l.de/stadtwerke

Announced today, the construction of a vast solar installation at SIG's production site in Linnich, Germany, will see SIG further extend its lead in the beverage carton industry in the use of renewable energy. The 10.25MWp system, made up of 22,300 photovoltaic solar panels, will be the largest photovoltaic system at an SIG plant to date.

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