North Kingstown, Rhode Island - Toray Plastics (America), Inc., the only United States manufacturer of precision-performance polypropylene, polyester, and bio-based films for packaging and industrial applications, is pleased to announce a plan to begin construction in Q2 2011 on a $2 million 446 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) field on its 70-acre campus in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The new solar field will occupy approximately three acres, consist of 1,650 PV panels with utility-scale single-access trackers, and be the largest solar-powered system in the state. Toray estimates that the efficient clean-energy system, which is designed to produce a higher-energy output when compared with conventional fixed-mounted PV panels, will generate 625 megawatt hours (MW h) a year, help curb escalating energy costs, and reduce CO2 emissions by 340 tons per year. Funding for the solar field will come from Toray, grants and loans from the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation's Renewable Energy fund, and state and federal grants made possible by the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Construction is expected to be completed by Q3 2011.

"Choosing solar technology to help power our operations is another example of our commitment to the well-being of our business, the community, and the planet," says Richard Schloesser, President and CEO, Toray Plastics (America), Inc. "Toray has been immersed in sustainable business practices for years and we are very excited to launch this major clean-energy undertaking in 2011. We're also very pleased that the installation will bring new jobs to Rhode Island residents."

In 2004 Toray launched a comprehensive sustainability initiative, which has greatly improved its environmental profile and now saves the company 29 million gallons of water, 8.5 million KW h of electricity, and 10.1 billion BTUs annually. Operational innovations have also contributed to zero landfill waste. In addition, the company's rigorous recycling program saves 285 tons of wood, 152 tons of metal, 59 tons of cardboard, and 46 tons of paper, bottles, and cans annually.