Palsgaard nears carbon neutrality

At its Dutch plant which runs on renewable energy, 840 solar panels were recently activated to further reduce its need for external sources of electricity. The factory is 100% carbon neutral. According to Palsgaard, had it continued to use fossil fuels, its CO2 emissions could have reached 1,322,000 kg per year ― the same as the amount produced by 165 Dutch households.

In Mexico last year, Palsgaard became the first industrial company to own a carbon-neutral facility. While in 2015, the company’s largest site, in Denmark, was declared carbon-neutral after it reduced emissions by 16,000 tons.

Palsgaard is set to do the same on its remaining factories, in Malaysia and Brazil. Since the goal was set in 2010, it has introduced heat recovery and insulation techniques, converted from heavy fuel oil to biogas, and used renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar power. In Denmark it has also introduced its own straw-fired central heating systems.

Palsgaard ingredients

Mar Holkers, Plant Manager of Palsgaard Netherlands, said: “We’re delighted to be part of Palsgaard’s journey towards CO2 neutrality. In the food industry, production processes are often highly energy-intensive, so a lot of dedication and hard work has gone into reaching this goal. However, we’ve shown that with commitment and ambition, companies big and small can take meaningful steps to reduce their impact on the environment.”

He added: “I hope we can set a useful example for other ingredient companies seeking to implement green solutions. In addition to being the right thing to do, reducing carbon emissions makes good business sense. Switching to renewable energy is more cost-effective in the long term, as well as meeting consumers’ expectations that the ingredients in their favourite products are produced sustainably.”

Anders Brix, Group CEO of the Schou Foundation, which owns Palsgaard, said: “Back in 2010, the idea of a company like Palsgaard eliminating its carbon footprint was unheard of. Today we are CO2-neutral at our sites in Denmark, Mexico and the Netherlands, and on target to achieve the same goal at our remaining sites. In future, I hope we will continue to set bold goals, and that other companies will do the same.”

In addition to reducing its carbon footprint, Palsgaard is highly dedicated to using sustainably sourced palm oil and is able to offer its full product range as RSPO SG certified, the highest commercially available grade of certified sustainable palm oil.