Focusing on treading lighter on the earth through innovation in the supply chain, is a priority for Capespan and its production partners. In addition to the recent implementation of a high-tech water filtration alternative, preserving our energy resources contributes to a drive to do business in a more sustainable manner.
As Novo Fruit Packers recognises concerns about climate change and resource scarcity, the business faces the challenge of growing while minimizing its environmental footprint. A solar energy project was completed recently with the installation of 2 000 solar panels covering a surface of 4 000 m².
Novo packhouse, located in Paarl in the Western Cape, is a state-of-the art pome fruit packing facility servicing pome fruit farmers in the Ceres, Villiersdorp, Piketberg, Grabouw and Boland areas.
“As a company that relies heavily on electricity for our production processes, we are very aware of our own footprint and the need to concentrate on devising more efficient processes to reduce our environmental footprint”, says Willem Joubert general manager at Novo Fruit Packers. The packhouse, part of Capespan, is one of the largest energy consumption businesses in the Drakenstein Municipal district.
The installation will allow the facility to save approximately 1 150 tons of CO² per annum by generating 20 – 25% of the facilities’ own electricity. The system is modular and be expanded in the future.
Novo packhouse has the ability to pack different grades simultaneously, enabling its customers to optimise the full bin of fruit as well as servicing the different needs of the different market segments. Given the large geographic reach of the organisation, it is important to protect natural resources and manage it wisely. In return, the initiative maximises economic value for our customers and the business as well as contributing to our customer’s sustainability goals.
For more information:
Willem Joubert
Novopack
Email: willem@novopack.co.za