TORONTO, ON, Canada, July 19, 2007 -- SunOpta Inc. announced its support and endorsement of the United Nations Global Compact sponsored program, "The CEO Water Mandate", which represents both a call to action and a strategic framework for companies seeking to address the issue of water sustainability in their operations and supply chains. The CEO Water Mandate represents a commitment to action. Its structure covers six key areas and is designed to assist companies in developing a comprehensive approach to water management.
In support of SunOpta's commitment to social responsibility and the environment, SunOpta has completed the latest phase in a series of water conservation programs at its SunOpta Ingredients fiber plants in Minnesota, Kentucky, and Iowa. Through a number of technological upgrades, process improvements, and focused conservation programs, SunOpta will save approximately 2.5 million gallons (approximately 9.5 million liters) of water annually.
In a second phase of projects scheduled for completion over the balance of 2007, other water conservation projects currently underway at SunOpta facilities will result in further estimated water savings of approximately 9 million gallons (approximately 35 million liters).
The learnings gained from these initiatives continue be applied to other SunOpta production facilities throughout North America.
Steve Bromley, President and CEO of SunOpta commented, "A strong commitment to the environment has always been at the heart and soul of SunOpta. The completion of these latest water conservation projects is a clear demonstration of SunOpta's ongoing commitment to an environmentally responsible supply chain."
SunOpta Inc. is an operator of high-growth ethical businesses, focusing on integrated business models in the natural and organic food, supplements and health and beauty markets. The Company has three business units: the SunOpta Food Group, which specializes in sourcing, processing and distribution of natural and organic food products integrated from seed through packaged products; the Opta Minerals Group, a producer, distributor, and recycler of environmentally friendly industrial materials; and SunOpta BioProcess Inc, which engineers and markets proprietary steam explosion technology systems for the pulp, bio-fuel and food processing industries.
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