Dairy industry leader Lactalis Canada is partnering with investment platform SOFIAC to launch a $10-million decarbonization project at its manufacturing facilities in Victoriaville, Que., and Laverlochère, Que.

The initiative aligns with both partners’ sustainability goals and is fully funded by SOFIAC, said Lactalis in a news release.

“This partnership perfectly illustrates our ability to deliver high-impact environmental projects while creating tangible value for our clients,” said Christian Brosseau, president and CEO of SOFIAC. “With this new initiative, SOFIAC reaffirms its ability to deliver high-value decarbonization projects that generate both environmental and financial benefits for Canadian businesses.”

The partnership allows Lactalis to deploy high-efficiency systems and targeted energy-saving measures through SOFIAC’s turnkey model, without requiring upfront capital investment. The project includes a 1.6-megawatt winter peak demand-management strategy to optimize electricity use during high-demand periods.

The decarbonization efforts are expected to reduce overall energy consumption by 11% and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 28% at the two facilities—equivalent to removing 1,700 cars from the road annually, according to the partners.

“We are pleased to be partnering with SOFIAC on this initiative that aligns very well with our broader commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” said John Bayliss, director, of energy and environment at Lactalis Canada. “SOFIAC’s approach stood out for its technical expertise and understanding of both our operational and environmental challenges. This partnership enables us to accelerate our progress toward our emissions reduction goals, without compromising our operations.”

Lactalis Canada — known for brands such as Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, P’tit Québec, Balderson, IÖGO, and Lactantia — is working to reduce energy and natural gas consumption across its Canadian operations. The initiative supports the global Lactalis Group’s Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) commitment to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 46.2% by 2030, using 2019 as a base year.

SOFIAC will be reimbursed through a portion of the energy savings generated. The project will also enhance the energy resilience of the facilities and reduce operational risks. Implementation will be led by Soteck Clauger, SOFIAC’s technical partner with expertise in the agri-food sector.

Pictured: Lactalis dairy plant in Victoriaville, Que.

Photo: SOFIAC