Sustainability for a More Competitive Energy Bill
With energy costs reaching record levels and tighter efficiency regulations approaching, manufacturers are seeking ways to lower gas use, reduce carbon emissions, and safeguard long-term operational performance—all while maintaining product quality and production speed. Two technological solutions are emerging to address these challenges.
Bakers aiming to lower their energy costs now have access to a range of technological solutions designed to improve production efficiency. Whether through the optimisation of existing equipment or the installation of new, high-performance oven lines, the latest systems from AMF Bakery Systems and MECATHERM are developed to meet the specific requirements of bakeries of different sizes and production models.
Case Study: De Graaf Bakeries Cuts Energy Use and Boosts Productivity with Sustainable Oven Service from AMF Bakery Systems
De Graaf Bakeries, a Dutch producer of more than 100 pastry and baked goods ranging from croissants and turnovers to biscuits and its signature apple pies, faced a pressing challenge. To address their ongoing need for a reduced energy use, De Graaf Bakeries implemented the Sustainable Oven Service (SOS) – an energy optimisation programme designed for industrial ovens by AMF Bakery Systems. The SOS connects oven performance data to a cloud-based AI system that models, analyses, and simulates different baking scenarios. By monitoring key indicators such as occupancy, availability, baking conditions, and eco-efficiency, the system provides actionable recommendations to reduce idle time, optimize temperature settings, and align production scheduling.
A tailored plan was developed for De Graaf’s apple pie line. Adjustments included synchronising dough preparation with oven setpoint temperatures and fine-tuning oven parameters to maintain quality while improving efficiency.
The introduction of SOS delivered measurable impact across the bakery’s operations:
- 22.4% reduction in average energy consumption
- 137,916 kg annual CO₂ emissions saved
- 7.48% increase in productivity
- 57.8% reduction in oven idle time
For the apple pie line alone, gas savings reached up to 26%, with the added benefit of two extra hours of production time daily.
Beyond cost savings, SOS supports compliance with European energy efficiency regulations such as the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and national reporting obligations in the Netherlands. The service has also been recognised internationally, winning an innovation award at the 2022 International Baking Industry Exposition in Las Vegas.
De Graaf Bakeries’ adoption of the Sustainable Oven Service highlights the potential of digitalisation and AI-driven optimisation in the baking industry. By combining energy savings with enhanced productivity and consistent quality, the bakery has strengthened its competitiveness while advancing its sustainability goals.
MECATHERM’s Complex Innovations that Support Sustainability
Manufacturers in the bakery-pastry sector face several ongoing challenges, including product quality, industrial performance, and sustainability. MECATHERM has implemented a structured approach to social and environmental responsibility, supporting its customers in their own sustainability ambitions.