Vetropack Group’s subsidiary in Croatia, Vetropack Straža, continues its journey toward sustainable production with the upcoming installation of its third solar power plant, Vetropack Straža III.
This ambitious project, set to begin in September 2024 and conclude within 11 months, will see the installation of 4,483 photovoltaic modules and 25 inverters on the roofs of key facilities at the Hum na Sutli plant.
This significant investment, co-financed by the Modernizacijski Fond (Modernisation Fund), demonstrates Vetropack Straža’s unwavering commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. The project, valued at EUR 1,363,108.89, will receive EUR 817,865.33 in co-funding, a testament to the Croatian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition’s recognition of its sustainability efforts.
The generated energy from Vetropack Straža III will be fully utilized in the production of glass bottles and jars at the Hum na Sutli plant. This move will contribute significantly to Vetropack’s broader sustainability goals, leading to an estimated annual reduction of 1900 MWh in energy consumption and 300 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
“This project is a significant step forward in Vetropack’s journey towards a sustainable future,” says Mario Berc, Technical Manager at Vetropack Straža. “By harnessing the power of the sun, we are minimizing our reliance on fossil fuels and reducing our carbon footprint, aligning with our commitment to achieve a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions per tonne of glass produced by 2030.”
These ambitious targets, which are aligned with science-based data provided by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), demonstrate Vetropack’s commitment to sustainable practices. The company first announced its commitment to the SBTi in 2022 and submitted its specific CO2 emission reduction targets for validation in April 2024.
Vetropack Straža’s commitment to renewable energy dates back to 2019, when it transformed previously unused roof areas into productive assets by installing 3,400 solar panels. Covering an area of 5,565 square meters, these panels generate approximately 1,000 MWh of electricity annually, powering air compressors at the plant.
Furthermore, in 2023, Vetropack Straža joined the KOER virtual power plant, contributing to the stability of the Croatian energy system by integrating new renewable capacity. This strategic partnership highlights Vetropack Straža’s dedication to supporting a more sustainable energy infrastructure in Croatia.
With the installation of Vetropack Straža III, the company continues to pave the way for a greener future, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to responsible production and sustainable practices.
Source:Vetropack Group with additional information added by GlassBalkan