Hair-care manufacturer Zotos International Inc., a subsidiary of global cosmetics leader Shiseido Co. Ltd., recently celebrated being the largest wind project of any manufacturer in the United States and met its goal of using 100 percent renewable energy for its electrical needs. Zotos’ 3.3 MW on-site, wind energy project, which powers its 670,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Geneva, NY, is a first in the beauty industry. The project is comprised of two 1,650 kW wind turbines. Zotos is that manufactures hair-care and styling-aid products under the Zotos, JOICO, ISO, and Senscience brand names, among others.

“After years of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, we have finally achieved a key milestone toward our vision of sustainable beauty,” said Anthony Perdigao, vice president, operations, and chief sustainability officer at Zotos. “This is a historic moment for Zotos, our parent company, and our community. If we can do it, so can others. Zotos is proud to lead the way for other manufacturers interested in sustainability. Our future depends on it.”

The company’s wind project is expected to meet nearly 60 percent of the Geneva plant’s power needs. To achieve the plant’s goal of using 100 percent renewable energy for its electrical needs, Zotos recently entered into an agreement to purchase up to 9 million kWh of green energy.

According to the American Wind Energy Association, Zotos’ project is the largest wind project of any manufacturer in the United States. It’s also the first wind project of its kind in Ontario County, N.Y., and the largest private industrial wind plan in New York State. The 2009 federal stimulus bill, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), covered 30 percent of the wind project’s costs. The company invested in wind power as part of an overall sustainability initiative. The company’s other efforts include energy-efficient lighting, reductions in water consumption, a significant increase in rail use, and the use of 100 percent recycled materials in most of its packaging. Zotos also uses plant-based plastics in its bottle production.