Growing sustainable crops and happy co-workers at Astra Zeneca

Johnny Sandberg, Astra Zeneca

Creating a better working environment

When you think of AstraZeneca, advanced medical technology and groundbreaking research usually come to mind. But within their high-tech facility in Södertälje, another quiet revolutionary project is taking place—a green revolution growing in hydroponic cabinets from Grönska.

This project is led by Johnny Sandberg, AstraZeneca’s Food and Sustainability Lead, who has a vision to reduce the company’s environmental footprint in unexpected ways.

“At AstraZeneca, we strive for sustainability in everything we do,” says Johnny. “It’s not just about energy savings and carbon reduction, but about incorporating sustainable solutions into daily life—even in our offices and personal spaces.”

GrowOFF Microfarm – Greenery in the Heart of Industry

Johnny and his team installed Grönska’s GrowOFF cabinets in their cafeteria a year ago, with the goal of growing fresh, organic vegetables right on site. Using hydroponic technology, where plants grow without soil and with minimal water, the cabinet has become a symbol of what future food production could look like—local and sustainable.

“One thing that surprised me was the smell of fresh herbs in the cafeteria when you walked in during the morning,” says Johnny. “It created a sense of presence and connection to nature, even indoors.”

Sustainable Results
Since the installation, the GrowOFF cabinet has become a popular part of AstraZeneca’s staff spaces. “We’ve always been proud of our restaurant, but now, seeing fresh vegetables grow and tasting them adds a whole new dimension to the dining experience,” Johnny explains. Growing their own vegetables on site has reduced the need for transportation and allowed the company to offer their employees the freshest products possible.

“We’ve seen how small changes, like installing a GrowOFF cabinet, can have a big impact. It’s a reminder that sustainability isn’t just about large projects but also the small, everyday changes,” Johnny says with a smile.

A Greener Future
For AstraZeneca and Johnny Sandberg, GrowOFF is more than just an innovative hydroponic cabinet—it’s a symbol of their commitment to a greener future.

“It’s part of a bigger plan for how we want to continue reducing our footprint and show that sustainability can be integrated into every part of our operations, even in unexpected ways,” Johnny concludes.