SunOpta Inc. Annouces Endorsement of the United Nations Water Mandate and the Completion of Water Conservation Projects
TORONTO--July 19, 2007--SunOpta Inc. (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) announced its support and endorsement of the United Nations Global Compact sponsored program, "The CEO Water Mandate", which represents both a call to action and a strategic framework for companies seeking to address the issue of water sustainability in their operations and supply chains. The CEO Water Mandate represents a commitment to action. Its structure covers six key areas and is designed to assist companies in developing a comprehensive approach to water management.
In support of SunOpta's commitment to social responsibility and the environment, SunOpta has completed the latest phase in a series of water conservation programs at its SunOpta Ingredients fiber plants in Minnesota, Kentucky, and Iowa. Through a number of technological upgrades, process improvements, and focused conservation programs, SunOpta will save approximately 2.5 million gallons (approximately 9.5 million liters) of water annually.
In a second phase of projects scheduled for completion over the balance of 2007, other water conservation projects currently underway at SunOpta facilities will result in further estimated water savings of approximately 9 million gallons (approximately 35 million liters).
The learnings gained from these initiatives continue be applied to other SunOpta production facilities throughout North America.
Steve Bromley, President and CEO of SunOpta commented, "A strong commitment to the environment has always been at the heart and soul of SunOpta. The completion of these latest water conservation projects is a clear demonstration of SunOpta's ongoing commitment to an environmentally responsible supply chain."
About SunOpta Inc.
SunOpta Inc. is an operator of high-growth ethical businesses, focusing on integrated business models in the natural and organic food, supplements and health and beauty markets. The Company has three business units: the SunOpta Food Group, which specializes in sourcing, processing and distribution of natural and organic food products integrated from seed through packaged products; the Opta Minerals Group, a producer, distributor, and recycler of environmentally friendly industrial materials; and SunOpta BioProcess Inc, which engineers and markets proprietary steam explosion technology systems for the pulp, bio-fuel and food processing industries. Each of these business units has proprietary products and services that give it a solid competitive advantage in its sector.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to references to the expected terms of the proposed private placement and business strategies, competitive strengths, goals, capital expenditure plans, business and operational growth plans and references to the future growth of the business. These forward looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its interpretation of current conditions, historical trends and expected future developments as well as other factors that the Company believes are appropriate in the circumstance. However, whether actual results and developments will agree with expectations and predications of the Company is subject to many risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to; the company's ability to negotiate successfully the specific terms of the private placement with investors, general economic, business or market risk conditions; competitive actions by other companies; changes in laws or regulations or policies of local governments, provinces and states as well as the governments of United States and Canada, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Consequently all forward-looking statements made herein are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by the Company will be realized.
CONTACT:
SunOpta Inc.
Jeremy N. Kendall, Chairman
Steve Bromley, President & CEO
Joseph Riz, Executive Vice President
John Dietrich, Vice President & CFO
Susan Wiekenkamp, Information Officer
905-455-2528, ext 103
susan.wiekenkamp@sunopta.com
Website: www.sunopta.com
Investment Community Inquiries -
Lytham Partners, LLC
Joe Diaz, Robert Blum,Joe Dorame
602-889-9700
diaz@lythampartners.com
SOURCE:
SunOpta Inc.