The makers of POM Wonderful pomegranate juice are highlighting their $1.3 billion commitment to environmental sustainability with the unveiling of their Del Rey solar farm.
At a news conference on Thursday, the company also announced it will start using 100% recycled plastic in Pom Wonderful’s 16-ounce juice bottles.
“These initiatives are really part of the Wonderful Company’s larger sustainability road map to reduce its carbon footprint, build a more sustainable future with responsible agriculture and energy waste, and packaging optimization,” said Steve Swartz, chief strategy officer for the Wonderful Company.
POM Wonderful is the largest grower and producer of fresh pomegranates and pomegranate juice in the U.S.
POM Goes Solar
The new solar farm at POM Wonderful’s processing plant, which will be operational in June 2022, is expected to deliver more than 90% of the company’s electricity needs by 2023. The solar farm is nearly 40 acres and is projected to generate more than 17.3 million kilowatt-hours annually.
“In March of 2019, we announced our commitment to use 100% renewable electricity in the U.S. from our orchards to our offices by 2025,” said Swartz.
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The Wonderful Company is a member of the RE 100 global initiative made up of the biggest companies committed to 100% renewable electricity. The company also has solar installations at its pistachio, almond, and mandarin facilities, and JUSTIN Vineyards.
Company’s Sustainability Initiatives
The Wonderful Company’s co-owners, Lynda and Stewart Resnick, have invested more than $1.3 billion in environmental sustainability initiatives to help fight climate change — including a $750 million dollar donation to Caltech in support of the school’s environmental sustainability research.
“Our commitment extends beyond pursuing the known improvements of today and also includes supporting cutting-edge environmental research that will push the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Swartz.
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