Beneo Achieves 40% Carbon Emission Cut at Belgian Sites

Functional ingredients specialist Beneo reported a 40% cut in specific carbon emissions at its production facilities in Oreye, Belgium, as part of a decade-long campaign.

According to the company, which produces a number of solutions for confectionery and bakery segments, confirmed its activities concluded with an investment of EUR11m into increased energy efficiency measures.

The announcement comes amid a period of strategic investments which include an overall EUR61m funding in Belgium in the past 12 months, as well as EUR50m being dedicated to its rice starch facility in Wijgmaal.

Key measures instituted by the business include a new gas turbine and heat recovery boiler that was installed at the Oreye facility. As well as providing for the company’s own electricity production needs, its latest system also enables the company to export an additional five megawatts to the public electric grid network each year.

“Sustainable development is a cornerstone of our business strategy and Beneo is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The production plant in Oreye continues to contribute to this target with a combination of solutions, including the increased use of renewable energy in the future,” said Philippe Dumont, operations managing director at Beneo’s Oreye facility. “The integration of the new gas turbine system into our existing steam and electricity production is an important part of the energy efficiency program that we began 10 years ago. Our aim was to cut specific carbon emissions on-site and to date we have achieved a total reduction of 40%, thanks to significant fuel efficiencies and yield gains.”