Emmi Roth installs solar panels at Wisconsin cheese-making site

Emmi Roth, a US-based subsidiary of Swiss dairy cooperative Emmi, has completed a solar panel installation at its Platteville, Wisconsin, plant.

A total of 1,602 panels have been installed on the roof of the site, reducing the business’s carbon footprint “by eliminating 14,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from the environment”.

It is expected the solar panels will supply 15% of the annual electric use of the plant.

Emmi Roth managing director Tim Omer said: “We want to have the lowest possible carbon footprint we could have in the industry. This is another step in our commitment to focus on sustainable initiatives, so it’s very exciting for all of us here at Emmi Roth.”

The company also recently invested in a new anaerobic digester at the same facility in an effort to lower operational costs and remain environmentally responsible for the waste being produced during its cheese-making operations.

The firm said that the anaerobic technology investment will allow it to use biogas as a source of energy in the future.

Emmi Roth was formed in 2009 when Emmi purchased Roth Käse USA. The business now imports Swiss-made into the US and also owns the Kindred Creamery and Roth Cheese brands.