It’s Earth Day this Sunday (April 22) and  Zotos International is celebrating its success in reducing its carbon footprint. Zotos utilizes the largest wind project of any manufacturer in the United States with its 3.3 MW on-site. Comprised of two 1,650 kW wind turbines, the project powers its 670,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Geneva, NY, a first in the beauty industry.

"This wind project and our many environmentally responsible programs have helped us transform Zotos into one of the fastest growing and greenest manufacturers in the global beauty industries," says Ron Krassin, Zotos President and CEO. "More and more consumers are demanding sustainable products and frankly, as a beauty company, we have a moral imperative to make our planet a healthier and more beautiful place."

"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," adds Anthony Perdigao, Vice President, Operations, and Chief Sustainability Officer at Zotos. "This is a historic moment for Zotos, our parent company, and our community.”

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 (AWEA), 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.

Zotos 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.  For its efforts, Zotos was recognized last year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as one of the EPA's Top 20 Green Power Partners for On-Site Generation, ranking No. 18 in the nation. Says Perdigao, “If we can do it, so can others."