On Aug. 14, Grandma Mae’s Country Naturals announced a partnership with Clearloop in an effort to offset the carbon footprint it creates through transportation operations. The independent retailer-focused pet food brand will achieve this by supporting the development of Clearloop’s Panola I Solar Farm in Panola County, Miss.

The Panola I Solar Farm is one of three solar projects Clearloop plans to launch in partnership with local power company Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association and economic development group Panola Partnership.

According to Clearloop, these three projects will save more than 1 billion lbs of carbon from being released into the atmosphere, as well as generate the same amount of renewable energy needed to power roughly 3,000 homes for a year.

In addition, the Panola I Solar Farm alone is expected to prevent approximately 827,000 lbs of carbon from being released into the atmosphere. Grandma Mae’s support also aims to enhance equitable access to cleaner energy sources.

“We are proud to partner with Clearloop to advance our commitment to the environment and sustainability because they are pioneers in how they are using renewable energy projects to drive down emissions, bringing significant environmental and economic benefits to the area,” said Nathalie Berman, assistant to the president of Grandma Mae’s. “Our investment in the Panola I Solar Farm will offset 100% of the carbon footprint of our 2023 transportation, and we are excited to guarantee Clearloop our support in 2024 as well, for both our Grandma Mae’s and RawTernative brands. This is among several efforts we have underway to meet our broader environmental and sustainability goals.”

The development of the Panola I Solar Farm is expected to support the local economy through job creation during construction and operation, as well as stimulating new economic activity in the area.

“We’re excited Grandma Mae’s has chosen our Panola County solar project for its environmental and sustainability initiatives,” said Laura Zapata, chief executive officer and co-founder of Clearloop. “Grandma Mae’s forward thinking is connecting the dots between brand commitments and real impact in taking action that reclaims their carbon footprint while expanding access to clean energy in American communities where the greatest economic and carbon reduction impact can be achieved.”

Grandma Mae’s Country Naturals is owned in part by NexPet, a cooperative of 32 independent retailers across the United States. The company’s sister brand, RawTernative, is also partnering with Clearloop to support the firm’s North Louisiana solar projects.

Read more about sustainability efforts in the pet food and treat industry.