Mr Kipling invests US$2.8M in solar farm to power Carlton bakery
The initiative is part of the company’s broader sustainability strategy and reflects its commitment to reducing environmental impact while supporting local energy resilience.
UK – Premier Foods’ iconic Mr Kipling brand is making a significant stride towards sustainability with a £2.1 million (US$2.8M) investment in a solar farm at its Carlton Bakery in South Yorkshire, UK.
The solar installation, spanning 2.9 hectares and fitted with 3,500 solar panels, is set to be fully operational by November 2025.
Once active, it will supply nearly 75% of the bakery’s electricity needs during peak sunlight hours, powering everything from cake mixers and packaging machinery to lighting and office equipment.
Carlton Bakery, which has been a cornerstone of the community for over 50 years and remains the largest bakery in the UK, employs up to 1,000 people at peak production.
This solar farm project not only underscores Premier Foods’ commitment to reducing its environmental impact but also supports the long-term resilience of this vital local business.
The solar investment is expected to reduce the bakery’s carbon emissions by approximately 468 tonnes annually, contributing significantly to Premier Foods’ wider sustainability goals anchored in their Enriching Life Plan, which aims to cut emissions and achieve net-zero targets.
Additionally, the solar farm can export surplus electricity back into the local grid when generation exceeds the bakery’s consumption, providing added value to the local community.
Nick Brown, ESG Director at Premier Foods, emphasized the importance of this initiative for both environmental responsibility and operational resilience, noting that generating more on-site energy reduces the company’s carbon footprint and strengthens business continuity.
He also reflected on the bakery’s rich heritage, recalling its original status as the largest purpose-built bakery in the world when it opened in the 1970s.
This solar installation complements Premier Foods’ broader sustainability ambitions and is a tangible demonstration of how large-scale industrial food production can align with green energy strategies to deliver environmental benefits.
The investment not only offers substantial energy cost savings but also enhances the bakery’s contribution to a sustainable local economy.
Mr Kipling’s Carlton Bakery solar farm underscores a growing trend among food manufacturers to innovate in energy use.
It serves as a model for integrating renewable energy into traditional manufacturing sites, helping businesses future-proof while responding to increasing consumer demand for greener production practices.
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