WODONGA, AUSTRALIA — Seeking to advance its net zero emissions goal, Mars Incorporated announced Oct. 29 that its Wodonga pet food manufacturing plant, will deploy a renewable energy solution for both electricity and process steam in the next two years. According to Mars, this will make the facility the first large-scale, steam-based manufacturing site in Australia.

The Wodonga facility produces Mars Petcare’s WHISKAS® and PEDIGREE® products. 

“We are incredibly proud to announce that Mars will be the first manufacturing facility of its kind in Australia to deploy a 100% renewable energy solution within two years,” said Craig Sargeant, general manager of Mars Petcare Australia and New Zealand. “Decarbonizing site-based process heat, coupled with Mars Australia’s 100% renewable electricity use, is a significant achievement that not only reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability but also positions our Wodonga facility as a leader in green process heat manufacturing on a national scale.”

The company will develop a new $39.3 million solar thermal plant, which includes the installation of an 18-megawatt Parabolic Trough Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) system that will provide 10 hours of thermal energy storage for cooking pet food products. The project is supported by a $17.2 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). 

“Investing in renewable energy technologies like CST is critical to decarbonizing industrial processes, particularly in sectors that heavily rely on gas for steam-based manufacturing,” Sargeant said. “CST offers a powerful solution by capturing and storing solar energy in the form of high temperature heat, for use at any time, making it an ideal fit for our steam-based manufacturing needs.”

The project will also support Mars’ implementation of Electric Thermal Energy Storage (eTES) technology. This allows the facility to use low-cost, grid-connected renewable electricity during off-peak times to generate and store heat and create steam. According to Mars, the eTES system serves as a cost-effective and renewable alternative to gas. 

Additionally, Mars is working with the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) to purchase Renewable Gas Guarantee of Origin certificates. This will displace more than 10% of Mars Australia’s total gas consumption, which includes that from Mars Petcare Wodonga. 

“Earlier this year, Mars globally announced that since 2015, GHG emissions in the company’s value chain have been reduced by 16% or 5.7 million metric tons,” Sargeant said. “This project further contributes to Mars Net Zero Roadmap target to reduce emissions globally by 50% by the end of 2030, which we're on track to achieve.”

The company is also collaborating with local companies and government organizations to help create a renewable energy hub in Northeast Victoria. 

“Mars is incredibly proud of the fact we have been manufacturing in the Wodonga area for more than 50 years,” Sargeant said. “We are part of the fabric of the local community, supporting jobs and investment in regional Victoria. Wodonga is at the heart of that journey, and today’s announcement is a major step forward in supporting both regional investment and Australia’s clean energy future.”

Read more about sustainability efforts across the pet food and treat industry.