Polyethylene Containers, Inc. is set to significantly diminish its carbon footprint with a substantial contribution from solar energy. The company’s new solar panel array aims to bolster its already firmly established commitment to sustainable processes and products.
Walter Tyson, PCI’s Chairman and CEO, highlights this strategic move, “Our region in southern Arkansas receives about 2,800 hours of sunlight annually. It simply makes sense to harness it to power our operations and optimize our square footage.”
PCI’s interest in solar energy stems from a recent comprehensive energy audit scrutinizing every crucial aspect of the firm’s power consumption. Tyson elaborates, “We identified several areas where we could enhance energy efficiency, ranging from climate control to lighting and production. As we explored avenues to conserve energy, harnessing solar power emerged as a paramount focus.” PCI’s transition to solar is projected to deliver major benefits in the near and long term, including a lifetime carbon offset of roughly 25,000 metric tons.
Initially, the company has installed high-output solar panels on its facilities’ rooftops, with the potential for expanding to ground-level installations. Tyson notes, “We have unused outdoor space. Solar power provides a means to make that square footage essentially self-sustaining.”
Beyond its positive environmental impact, PCI sees the adoption of solar-powered manufacturing as a competitive advantage. Tyson emphasizes, “Given the scale, intensity, and expansion of our operations, energy is a critical resource. By incorporating solar power, we can drive growth more efficiently, offering a broader range of products to our customers.” Examples of PCI’s solar-powered growth include expanding its product catalog to include customized grease cartridges and introducing a new line of sustainable containers made with ocean-bound plastic.
Moreover, PCI views its use of solar power as aligning with both its own ethos and the evolving priorities of its customers. Tyson points out, “Environmental responsibility ranks high on our customers’ list of priorities. Now, they can avail themselves of containers that are not only recyclable and sustainably produced but are also built with the energy of the sun.”
