Vital Farms’ facility named Green Plant of the Year 2022

Vital Farms’ Egg Central Station earned media company Food Processing’s “Green Plant of the Year 2022” award for the plant’s sustainable efforts.

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Pablographix | Dreamstime.com
Pablographix | Dreamstime.com

Vital Farms’ Egg Central Station earned media company Food Processing’s “Green Plant of the Year 2022” award for the plant’s sustainable efforts.

The Missouri-based facility minimizes resource use through using technologies including energy-efficient lights, a reusable water filtration system and solar panels that reduce the company’s grid electricity usage. However, new features added in the company’s recent expansion, such as retention ponds that recycle rainwater, helped the facility earn the sustainable title. 

The original plant, built in 2017, was constructed with solar panels and LED lights throughout, as well as automated blinds that are raised or lowered depending on how much sunlight is shining into the building. In the producer’s egg washing room, the humid air produced from the water’s hot temperature is directed outside the building to prevent the facility’s air conditioning system from overworking. Water is reused in its egg washers to minimize water usage.

According to Food Processing, the producer’s newly installed retention ponds are capable of handling 700,000 pounds of rainwater. The ponds slowly release the water, preventing drainage problems around the plant. Some of the ponds are positioned next to the building to catch rainwater coming off the roof.

Additionally, the plant utilizes natural landscaping that conserves plants local to the region, which supports soil health and removes the need for an irrigation system. While the landscaping surrounding the building looks unkept, it provides shelter to pests and prevents them from entering the building.

Carl Kicklighter, Egg Central Station’s Director of Plant Operations, stated, “If you were to take the building out, you would never know the facility ever existed there.”  

After winning the award, the producer commented: “We’re proud to share this award with the Springfield community and our crew members, who have been vital collaborators and supporters since day one. Without them, this award wouldn’t be possible. We hope this recognition inspires others to consider sustainable manufacturing design solutions to help protect the earth for future generations.”

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