Coveris 23.08.24

Coveris has announced the completion of a physical power purchase agreement with CE Rigmuir Limited, with ‘sustainable sourcing’ set to account for over half of the company’s electricity demand in the UK.

Following the European energy switch, Coveris states that it now covers the renewable energy requirements of its 18 sites in the United Kingdom. The company says the contract, advised by investment service AlphaReal, allows for the transaction of physical green electricity - meaning that ‘sustainable sourcing’ will account for over half of Coveris’ electricity demand in the UK.

The supply arrangement is due to begin on 1st September 2024, and Coveris says it shall also benefit from Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates.

The onshore wind technology project, with a capacity of 13.5 MW (approximately 40,500 MWh), is located in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. Together with EDF Business Solutions, the project aims to support and facilitate the reliable energy transfer from the wind farm into Coveris’ energy supply through new energy contracts.

Coveris states it is aiming towards zero Scope 2 emissions and is gradually switching to green energy. It recently concluded a 10-year purchase agreement with Neoen, which it says met the electricity needs of its European plants.

“These agreements represent an incredible milestone for Coveris as we are likely to be one of the first packaging companies to complete a physical PPA, which is more complex and less common than a virtual PPA. By securing these agreements, we are ensuring that a significant portion of our energy consumption is derived from renewable sources,” commented Christian Kolarik, CEO of Coveris.

In March, European electricity and heat retailer Vattenfall revealed that starting from January 2024, it would be supplying polyolefins solutions provider Borealis with renewable energy from its hydropower plants as part of a long-term renewable hydropower purchase agreement (PPA) made in December 2023. Over the next 10 years, Vattenfall will apparently supply 175 GWh of renewable energy per year to Borealis’ operations in Stenungsund, Sweden.

More recently, Graphic Packaging International and Zelestra entered into a virtual Power Purchase Agreement (vPPA) in Europe to add renewable electricity to the European power grid. The renewable electricity generated by two of Zelestra’s solar projects, due to be built in Spain, is anticipated to have a combined total capacity of 83 megawatts (MWdc).

If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:

How are the top brands progressing on packaging sustainability?

Sustainable Innovation Report 2024: Current trends and future priorities

Reuse vs. single use – which is better for the environment?

The ultimate guide to global plastic sustainability regulation