The Mikropakk factories are operating around the clock, with an annual energy requirement of 11.5 GWh. Our company is committed to sustainability, aiming to minimise our environmental footprint and reduce energy consumption. To achieve this, we have successfully completed numerous green projects and continue to explore additional opportunities for improvement.
In our most recent investment, we are installing solar panels at both our sites, Mikropakk SILVER and BLACK. These panels are designed to facilitate long-term energy supply and promote eco-friendly operations. In the following, we will
With a solar power capacity of 300 kW, the footprint of plastic component manufacturing is significantly reduced
The installation of solar panels was preceded by thorough planning and preparatory work. We carefully assessed the return on investment prospects of various scenarios, before making the decision to embark on the project. During this process, we examined various potential versions to identify the most efficient solution.
The investment commenced in the spring of 2022, with an initial focus on securing the necessary permits after which installation proceeded in two phases. Currently, the solar panel system is up and running in Budapest, where a total of 216 solar panels, each with a power capacity of 550 Wp, contribute to a combined maximum power output of 118.8 kWp. As for Salgótarján, the installation is still underway, and we anticipate that it will consist of 408 solar panels with a power capacity of 550 Wp, providing a total power capacity of 224 kWp.
We expect the solar panels to produce an average of 351.2 MWh of energy per year, effectively offsetting 3% of the purchased energy.
At both sites, the solar systems are installed on the plant roofs, with the disparity in power capacity arising from the size difference between the manufacturing facilities. The installation of the solar panels complies with all regulations, including the implementation of measures to protect against any back feeding. It’s worth noting that our plans do not involve either grid feedback or the installation of battery energy storage as part of this investment. This decision stems from the fact that 99% of the generated electricity will be consumed for our own needs.
We are already planning the next steps for even cleaner operation
The installation of solar panels in our factories brings not only environmental benefits but also financial advantages. Although it is challenging to pinpoint an exact target date due to fluctuations in the electricity market, we are confident that the investment will yield a return. For instance, if the price of electricity stands at 150 Euro/MWh, our investment will recoup its costs within 5.5 years. These metrics, coupled with our commitment to further reduce our carbon footprint, serve as strong encouragement to explore additional solar panel investment possibilities.
However, the next phase also requires meticulous planning, as the current installation occupies the entire available roof space at our facilities. There is not enough ground space to install additional panels on-site, requiring a more favourable regulatory environment to establish new solar power plants in an external location.
While we await clarity on these possibilities, we are actively monitoring the impact and results of the implemented system. Furthermore, we are working hard to find new ways to optimise the energy efficiency of plastic injection moulding and automated production. We firmly believe that these endeavours will shape the future of our industry.
Taking responsibility for the future of plastics
We adopt a comprehensive approach to environmental protection, as demonstrated by our achievement of reducing the energy required for producing 1 kg of plastic by 40% over the past 10 years. Alongside our production efforts, we place great emphasis on water management, office operations, and the environmental footprint of our products.
Sustainability remains a central focus in our R&D&I activities. We constantly strive to discover even more efficient and eco-friendly solutions within our manufacturing processes, aiming to minimise our environmental impact. We recognise that sustainable progress transcends mere business outcomes; it encompasses broader societal implications. Therefore, we are committed to contributing toward, and shaping a sustainable future.
