SUMTER, SC. — Pilgrim’s Pride, through a partnership with GreenGasUSA, is commissioning a renewable natural gas (RNG) project at Pilgrim’s poultry processing facility in Sumter, SC.

On Jan. 15, the two companies held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to announce the launch of the project. In addition to leadership from Pilgrim’s and GreenGasUSA, the event welcomed representatives of South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster’s and US Representative Ralph Norman’s offices, as well as local business community members.

Pilgrim’s expects to inject RNG into the pipeline by the end of the month.

“Pilgrim’s is committed to embedding sustainability in our business,” said Fabio Sandri, Pilgrim’s chief executive officer. “Our partnership with GreenGasUSA in Sumter is a prime example of how Pilgrim’s can implement innovative solutions to reduce our GHG footprint and unlock value for our business. Given these efforts, we can strengthen America’s food supply and create a better future for our communities where we operate.”

At the Sumter facility, GreenGas is building upon existing methane capture capabilities to convert biogas from wastewater streams, upgrading the biogas to pipeline quality RNG. Benefits will be reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enhanced wastewater operations, and improved local air and water quality.

“The renewable energy produced at this project is enough to power the homes of half of the entire workforce working at the Pilgrim’s Sumter plant, and is produced from what, until recently, was simply a waste stream,” said Marc Fetten, CEO and founder of GreenGas.

GreenGasUSA and Pilgrim’s parent company, JBS, are developing additional RNG projects at processing facilities across the United States. The Sumter RNG project is the first operational site under the strategic partnership.

GreenGasUSA has partnered with other poultry and meat processors over the past couple of years. The renewable energy company has collaborated with Perdue Farms and Wayne-Sanderson Farms to decrease their carbon footprint at processing plants.