In a world accelerating toward net-zero emissions, every solar panel installed, every kilowatt generated, and every ton of CO₂ avoided matters. At our East London facility, 671.25 kWp of solar capacity is more than a carbon reduction initiative, it is a bold step in lighting the way toward a more sustainable future for our communities.
A landmark investment in solar infrastructure
The centrepiece of our sustainability journey is the solar car park installation at our manufacturing facility in East London. Featuring over 1,000 solar panels, this innovative canopy delivers clean energy while providing covered parking for our workforce. It’s a powerful example of how thoughtful design can serve multiple purposes – environmental, operational and employee-focused – all at once.
This project, commissioned July 2025, began in 2023 and reflects extensive planning, engineering expertise and collaboration with our partners at Solar Africa. It’s a tangible realisation of our sustainability ambitions, and a compelling case for the power of partnership and collaboration.
Here's what really matters – the environmental impact. The system saves approximately 793 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, while generating around 64,400 kWh monthly. This is enough to power around 190 average South African homes per month. This is clean energy with measurable impact.
Where purpose meets power
For us, this installation represents something deeper than engineering excellence. Our East London solar carpark represents the practical realisation of our Good Planet pillar – a key element of our Creating Shared Value approach that drives environmental stewardship through renewable energy adoption, sustainable practices and innovations that benefit both our business and the communities we serve.
Advanced tracking systems provide insights that help us optimise performance and maintain environmental commitments, turning data into actionable intelligence that keeps us moving towards our goals.
Regional energy network
The East London solar carpark is part of a broader renewable energy strategy across the ESAR region, with installations at Harrismith, Estcourt and Skimmelkrans Dairy, creating a network that collectively reduces environmental impact.
Take Skimmelkrans Dairy, for example, which now operates on 100% renewable energy (285 kVA annually). Meanwhile, additional initiatives include LED technology integration and improved energy management systems across facilities, creating a web of interconnected sustainability improvements that amplify each other’s impact.
Recognition that reinforces our commitment
Sometimes external recognition helps put achievements into perspective. Our recognition as the 2025 Sustainable Business of the Year at the Nedbank Top Empowerment Awards represents more than an accolade, it validates that our solar initiatives like East London are part of a comprehensive sustainability strategy delivering measurable impact.
This award reinforces what we already knew; that our integrated approach to renewable energy, sustainable packaging and carbon reduction is creating real change across the ESAR region. It’s one thing to believe in your mission, it’s another to have that mission recognised by industry leaders.
Environmental impact by the numbers
Let’s talk about the bigger picture for a moment. Our sustainability efforts extend beyond solar energy. In 2024, we achieved:
- 89% recyclable packaging design (converting 445 tonnes of non-recyclable plastic)
- Reduced virgin plastic use by 636 tonnes
- Saved 73,795m³ of water across South African operations – that’s equivalent to more than 29 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
These numbers aren’t just statistics, they’re stepping stones towards our ultimate goal. These initiatives support our net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050, implemented through regenerative agriculture projects across 115 farms, methane reduction technologies, and continued renewable energy expansion.
Beyond the bottom line
What started as a practical solution to reduce our carbon footprint has become something far more significant, proof that industry can be a catalyst for positive change. Our East London solar car park doesn’t just generate clean energy, it generates possibility, challenging the notion that business success and environmental stewardship must be competing forces.
The question that faces every business today isn’t whether sustainable practices are achievable, our solar car park proves they are. The question is whether we’ll have the courage to make them standard practice. Perhaps more importantly, whether we’ll inspire others to follow suit.
At the end of the day, the real measure of our success won’t be found in kilowatts generated, but in the world we leave behind, and the example we set for others who are watching, waiting to see if sustainability and success can truly go hand in hand.
