SunOpta Inaugurates State-of-the-art Plant-Based Beverage Manufacturing Plant in Texas, Emphasizing Sustainability and Innovation
SunOpta, a leading company in plant-based food and beverage manufacturing, has recently inaugurated a cutting-edge plant-based beverage manufacturing facility worth $125 million in Midlothian, Texas. The plant is expected to manufacture various products, including plant-based milks, creamers, teas, and other beverages, and will have the capability to produce different package sizes suitable for various applications, including foodservice, shelf-stable retail, and e-commerce.
According to Joseph D. Ennen, the CEO of SunOpta, the new facility represents a significant step in the company’s long-term objectives and vision. With an emphasis on sustainability and innovation, SunOpta aims to meet the growing demand for plant-based foods and beverages while doubling its plant-based business by 2025. To achieve this, SunOpta has invested close to $200 million in plant-based production capacity over the past three years.
The Midlothian plant is designed to enhance SunOpta’s manufacturing and supply chain capabilities while reducing production costs to serve its customers better. Additionally, the plant prioritizes sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, conserving water, and utilizing energy-efficient systems and recycled materials. SunOpta plans to significantly reduce emissions through lower transportation usage by leveraging the plant’s regional location to reduce over 15 million freight miles annually, saving 59 million lbs of carbon emissions.
Moreover, the plant is equipped with water reuse equipment that can save up to 20 million gallons of water a year, and an energy-efficient HVAC system that reduces energy consumption by 45%. Additionally, the facility has LED lights and water heaters that reduce power usage by 95%, and offices and labs constructed with at least 40% recyclable materials.
SunOpta has plans to expand the plant’s capacity to 400,000 square feet to accommodate future growth, ensuring the company’s continued success in the plant-based food and beverage industry.
