Hallmark Breaks Ground on Solar Farm in Lawrence

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 6, 2024) – Hallmark and BioStar Renewables broke ground Wednesday, May 1, on a new three-acre solar farm in Lawrence, Kansas. The solar farm will be comprised of 1,785 solar panels located near the Lawrence Loop, the city’s hike-and-bike trail.  

Caring for the planet through sustainable business practices is a longstanding commitment for Hallmark. Hallmark’s commitment continues today with efforts to lessen its impact on the planet, specifically, regarding the climate.   

“Hallmark has committed to achieving a science-based target by lowering our greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning global facilities to renewable electricity, such as solar or wind power, by 2030,” said Kristin Edie, vice president enterprise sustainability at Hallmark. “In addition to using renewable electricity at our facilities, we are also working with our suppliers to transition to renewable electricity.” 

Hallmark has planted a pollinator garden along the trail near the solar farm, which has been certified as a Monarch Waystation. There are plans to add educational signs along the Lawrence Loop near the solar farm to educate the community about solar energy. 

“The solar farm is a visible sign of Hallmark’s commitment to renewable energy,” said Sara Beth Burton, chief operating officer at Hallmark. “I love that it’s adjacent to our Lawrence production center where we make millions of greeting cards that put care into the world every day. Together they physically embody our goal to care for our people and care for our planet.” 

The Lawrence Production Center opened in 1958 and specializes in producing and packaging all of Hallmark’s domestically produced greeting cards and about 98% of all envelopes for Hallmark North America. 

The groundbreaking ceremony concluded with celebratory ice cream served using compostable bowls and cutlery, further demonstrating the day’s message of commitment to sustainability. 

Hallmark plans to complete the solar farm in the fall of 2024.