Packaging and recycling company Visy is installing solar panels at select sites across Australia to reduce its environmental impact and energy footprint.

Visy partnered with two solar energy companies on the initiative, which aligns with Visy's ongoing commitment to sustainability.

The initiative aims to reduce energy consumption at six sites in the state of Victoria by 7% and at the Yatala beverage can site in Queensland by 23%.

In Victoria, Visy is dealing with Energy Aware to install a combined 2,400KW of solar panels across the six sites.

Meanwhile, in Queensland, Visy is working with 1K5° Commercial to set up a 2,100KW system at the aforementioned factory. This installation marks Visy's largest solar system to date and is expected to be completed by next month.

Visy Energy general manager Ryan Santowski said: “While many of our products have up to 100% recycled content - made from household and business recycling - we’re always looking for ways to further reduce our environmental impact and energy footprint.   

“Installing solar panels on our sites is one of the many ways we continue to invest in green power and improve the sustainability of the food and beverage packaging we make.”  

In addition to the solar projects, Visy recently commissioned a new A$150m ($100m) sustainable glass furnace at its Sydney facility, also in Australia.

The furnace, opened on 18 July by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Visy chair Anthony Pratt, is considered Australia's most energy-efficient glass furnace. It uses oxygen-only fuel, cutting energy consumption by more than half compared to its predecessor.

Earlier this year, Visy introduced recyclable paper bags made in its domestic market of Australia.

These bags support a circular economy and can be recycled through kerbside bins. Made from thicker paper with recycled content, the bags have Forestry Stewardship Council certification, ensuring environmental reliability.