Century Pacific Food, Inc. Ramps Up Green Initiatives with Investments in Renewable Energy

One of the top branded food and beverage companies in the Philippines, Century Pacific Food, Inc., is increasing its investments in renewable energy projects by commissioning new biomass boilers and increasing its solar PV capacity.

In General Santos City, the country's largest manufacturing location, Century Pacific Food, Inc. is growing its solar-powered factory where it produces coconut and tuna products. The operating solar capacity has increased by 65% to 8.6 MW from 5.2 MW, and it is anticipated to reach full operation by March 2024. The majority of the clean energy used by CNPF's tuna and coconut facilities comes from a hydroelectric power plant that is connected to the grid. In an effort to further solidify its commitment to more environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques, the company put its first solar PV facility into service in 2021. By the end of 2022, clean energy sources provided the hub with more than 60% of its power needs.

Ted Po, CNPF’s President and CEO,said, “In addition to being an environmentally forward choice for CNPF, investing in solar unlocks value for the company and enhances our operational resilience.”

With the construction and expansion of its solar plant, which includes an on-grid PV roof solar system, the company has invested around PHP 380 million since 2021.

Image from CNPF Press Release

With the completion of new biomass boilers, Century Pacific Food, Inc. is investing in more environmentally friendly energy options for its coconut operations in addition to solar electricity. By using coconut shells as biomass fuel, the new boiler will replace the need for coal by producing energy from byproducts. More broadly, the company expects a significant 36% decrease in the total amount of coal used in its production.

​Noel Tempongko, VP for Coconut OEM says, “As demand for coconut products soar locally and abroad, our focus is on sustainable practices to mitigate our environmental impact. The expansion of our biomass boilers, utilizing coconut shells from our operations also serves as an eco-friendly substitute for coal, contributing to substantial reductions in carbon emissions.”

Image from CNPF Press Release

As a byproduct of deshelling coconuts for coconut meat and other coconut derivatives like flour, oil, and dried coconut, Century Pacific currently produces coconut shells.

The solar power and biomass boiler projects of Century Pacific are part of the larger sustainability plan of CNPF, which aims to support national energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction programs. The PV Roof Solar System in General Santos has produced more than 15 million kWh of clean energy since it was put into service, greatly assisting the group in achieving its objectives for reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability. In the second quarter, Century Pacific plans to build another mixed biomass boiler in addition to this new one.

Throughout all of its main operations, Century Pacific has been reaffirming its commitment to sustainability through a number of initiatives and programs.
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In 2022, CNPF successfully planted one million coconut palms in Mindanao as part of a collaboration with GCash and HOPE. In addition to facilitating the removal of carbon sequestration from the environment, these trees were given to local small-scale coconut growers, increasing the output and profitability of their operations. Furthermore, by the end of 2023, the company has increased the scope of its environmental initiatives by planting 150,000 mangroves and developing a mangrove forest for ecological conservation in General Santos.

“Our company’s pursuit of growth runs alongside our desire for longevity. This necessitates a commitment to responsible business practices and creating long-lasting, positive impact on both our bottom line and the planet. Win-win initiatives such as these capture our direction and future," adds Po.