Tom Branna, Editorial Director08.03.11
When it comes to solar energy, executives at Croda have seen the light. The company recently dedicated a new 305-kilowatt solar energy system, marking its latest commitment to sustainable energy sources.With the dedication of the technology at its Edison, NJ site last month, more than 50% of the facility’s power now comes from the sun, according to the company.
According to Croda’s calculations, its photovoltaic technology system provides the environmental equivalent of:
According to Croda’s calculations, its photovoltaic technology system provides the environmental equivalent of:
• planting 52 acres of trees;
• powering 42 homes;
• turning off 1,946 60-watt light bulbs for eight hours a day each year;
• removing 47 cars from service; and
• saving more than 27,500 gallons of gasoline.
The move is just the latest sustainable initiative from Croda. For example at the company’s manufacturing facility in Hull, UK, a wind turbine provides power.
These solar panels will help reduce Croda's reliance on fossil fuel. |
“Croda is committed to being a responsible and ethical organization, and we have a global goal of obtaining 25% of our energy from non-fossil sources by the end of 2015,” commented Kevin Gallagher, president, Croda Inc. “Another important quality that most of our customers associate with Croda is innovation.In many ways, this solar power generation project combines our commitment to sustainability with our commitment to innovation and shows that innovation goes beyond product innovation alone.Our customers need ingredient suppliers who share their values and their commitment to sustainability and innovation in all its forms.”
According to Croda executives, the company’s commitment to sustainability can be traced all the way back to its inception in 1925. Back then, the company was formed to supply lanolin—a naturally sustainable material. Over the years, Croda expanded its offerings to include a wide array of ingredients for the personal care and household products industry, with many of them being vegetable derived. In fact, 70% of the company’s raw materials come from natural and sustainable sources. Moreover, Croda employs a variety of traditional chemical processes to convert natural based raw materials (mainly vegetable oils and fats such as rapeseed, coconut and palm oils) into fatty acids and glycerol, and then further refine and process them into a range of functional specialties. For example, Croda’s Super Refining technology attains the highest quality standards demanded by the personal care and health care/nutrition markets.
An ariel view of the solar panels at the Croda site in Edison, NJ. |
“I’ve worked for Croda for more than 33 years,” noted Gallagher. “I’m asked to do the right thing every day, and that includes being a good corporate citizen and keeping employees safe while meeting our customers’ needs. This move demonstrates that we are good partner in sustainability, too.”