Leaders from Danone’s global headquarters attended the commissioning event, highlighting the significance of the project for both the local team and the wider organisation. The Māngere site employs 315 people and plays a key role in producing well-known early life nutrition brands such as Aptamil and Karicare. The new solar system spans several rooftops and incorporates more than 3,570 panels, giving it a total capacity of 1,490 kW. It is designed to generate up to 1.66 million kWh of renewable electricity each year, which will contribute as much as 23 per cent of the site’s annual energy demand. For a facility of this scale, the shift represents a meaningful reduction in reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Chuen Kiat (CK) Tan, Danone New Zealand’s Supply Point Director, describes the project as a natural progression of the company’s environmental actions. The recent solar project follows several years of renewable energy investments across Danone’s New Zealand operations. One of the company’s most notable achievements was the pioneering/early adoption of a renewable biomass boiler at its Balclutha plant, which significantly reduced emissions associated with production. Each new initiative adds momentum to Danone’s wider sustainability commitments and strengthens its contribution to New Zealand’s clean energy transition. The broader global context reinforces the importance of this direction. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has indicated that renewable electricity needs to reach 70–85 per cent globally by 2050 to keep global warming within safer limits. Solar generation is one of the key levers that countries and industries can adopt now to help bridge that gap. For Danone New Zealand, the Māngere solar project represents practical, measurable climate action supported by local expertise and aligned with global scientific guidance. It strengthens the company’s position as a leader in sustainable manufacturing, while bringing long-term benefits to the business and the environment. With the system now fully operational, the Auckland site enters a new chapter powered by innovation, collaboration, and a reinforced commitment to a healthier planet. Some of the 315 Danone staff that work at the company’s factory in Māngere, Auckland Danone NewZealand unveils major solar panel project in Auckland Danone New Zealand has marked an important step in its sustainability strategy with the launch of a large-scale rooftop solar system at its Auckland manufacturing facility in Māngere. The installation, now officially switched on, reflects the company’s ongoing investment in cleaner energy solutions within New Zealand’s manufacturing sector. “Switching on solar at our Auckland factory is a proud moment for Danone,” he says. “We employ a holistic approach to sustainability. As well as creating health products backed by science, we invest in initiatives that do good for the environment and communities too. That’s the Danone vision: one planet, one health.” One Planet. One Health. At Danone, we believe the health of people and the planet are connected. That’s why we’re investing in solutions that create health through food while caring for the environment and our communities. Creating a healthier future for people and the planet. www.danone.co.nz 3,570+ SOLAR PANELS Installed across multiple rooftops. 1,490 kW INSTALLED CAPACITY Powering our manufacturing operations. Up to 1.66 million kWh RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY Generated every year. Up to 23% OF SITE ANNUAL ENERGY DEMAND Met by clean, renewable solar power.
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