Innovation Rocks a NH Yogurt Company

LONDONDERRY A partnership that is allowing the world's leading organic yogurt company to turn used containers into creative planting pots has led to Stonyfield Farm being named the Innovation Rocks! Award winner by the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development's Business Resource Center for the month of September.

Last month, Stonyfield announced that it is continuing a successful partnership with TerraCycle, aimed at turning used yogurt containers into attractive, modern planting pots that are sold at major retailers across the United States. These YoPlanters are handpainted by inner city artists, an innovative recycling and retail option given the fact that more than 10 million plastic pots are discarded each year.

In addition, Stonyfield has established cup collection sites in schools, giving educators the opportunity to teach students about recycling while also collecting money for their institutions. The Stonyfield Yogurt Brigade, which includes more than 600 schools, churches and other community groups, currently collects 6- and 32-ounce Stonyfield Farm yogurt containers. For each container collected, Stonyfield Farm donates 2 cents or 5 cents, respectively, to a charitable organization, church or school of the collector's choice.

Stonyfield Farm has consistently demonstrated that not only is it an industry leader in terms of innovation, it is also a corporate citizen of the highest order, said New Hampshire Business Resource Center Director Roy Duddy. Stonyfield has set the ambitious goal of saving the planet through responsible manufacturing, the development of healthy food options and a corporate culture of charitable giving. This is one company puts its heart in its work.

Innovation Rocks! is an initiative sponsored by the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development's Business Resource Center in coordination with Rock 101 (WGIR-FM) and the The Pavilion at the Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Downtown to celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of New Hampshire innovators.