Benicia, CA: Pasta Prima, a refrigerated pasta company here, says its products are not only 100 percent natural, they’re now made using 100 percent renewable energy.
The company’s lines of frozen and refrigerated natural ravioli and tortellini are the first of their kind to feature the Green-e certification seal. Green-e, a third party eco-label organization, certifies businesses’ commitment to renewable energy and greenhouse gas mitigation.
Its seal has one of the highest levels of consumer awareness in the industry, according to the nonprofit. Green-e is already embraced by such respected brands as Aveda and Santa Cruz Organic.
“Investing in renewable energy is part of our commitment to sustainable manufacturing,” says Pasta Prima president Ryan Tu. “Just as consumers trust us for great flavor and 100 percent natural ingredients, we want them to have confidence in our green energy commitment as the first and only pasta company to produce all of its products from 100 percent renewable energy.”
Last year, the company invested more than $2 million in a rooftop solar array on its Benicia manufacturing plant that is expected to produce 70 percent of the facility’s power, equivalent to 682,000 kilowatts of electricity per year. That’s enough energy to power 60 homes for one year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The remainder of the company’s power is now offset with Green-e certified wind power renewable energy credits. Pasta Prima also recycles all cardboard and food waste created by the manufacturing process as a part of its commitment to sustainability.
In addition to the Green-e certification seal, a new packaging label will highlight the 100 percent natural message and feature an updated brand logo. All products will incorporate these design changes effective immediately.
Pasta Prima’s commitment to making the highest quality products starts with the ingredients in its 100 percent natural lines of ravioli and tortellini. Nothing but the finest, all-natural ingredients make their way into each variety, from all-white meat chicken and North Atlantic lobster to imported gourmet cheeses and farm-fresh vegetables. Pasta Prima uses no preservatives, additives, artificial flavors, fillers, or flavor enhancers.
