Swiss refinery Nutriswiss aims for climate-neutral operation by 2030
Nutriswiss AG, a leading Swiss specialist in sourcing and processing high-quality vegetable oils and fats, has set an ambitious target to achieve climate-neutral production within the next six years. This move highlights the growing trend in the food industry towards sustainable manufacturing practices.
Sustainable energy mix powers refinery operations
Nutriswiss AG, based in Lyss, Switzerland, is leveraging a sustainable energy mix to power its refinery operations. The company’s strategy revolves around the use of CO2-neutral steam, waste heat, and biodiesel, demonstrating a commitment to both environmental sustainability and supply security in energy-intensive food production processes.
The refinery’s approach to sustainability is deeply rooted in its partnerships within the Centravo Group. Through collaboration with GZM Extraktionswerk AG and Swiss Ecovalor AG, Nutriswiss has access to a largely CO2-neutral energy mix that significantly reduces its carbon footprint while maintaining a high level of supply security.
Innovative use of Category 1 meat and bone meal
At the heart of Nutriswiss’s sustainable energy strategy is the innovative use of Category 1 meat and bone meal. This material, which can only be used thermally due to veterinary regulations, is processed by GZM Extraktionswerk AG and then utilised in a combined heat and power (CHP) plant operated by Swiss Ecovalor AG.
The CHP plant generates steam at a pressure of 70 bar, which is then used to produce electricity via a turbine. After electricity generation, the steam is directly supplied to Nutriswiss AG and other neighbouring Centravo Group subsidiaries. In 2023, this system provided approximately 2,600 MWh of electricity to the grid and around 35,000 MWh of heat to customers in the Lyss Nord industrial area.
Quantifiable environmental impact
The environmental benefits of this energy strategy are substantial. In 2023 alone, the use of process steam from the CHP plant resulted in savings of nearly 1,600 tonnes of CO2. Additionally, the hot and warm water supplied by GZM to Nutriswiss contributed to a further reduction of 200 tonnes of CO2.
René Burri, Managing Director of GZM and overseer of the CHP plant, emphasised the advantages for Nutriswiss: “Nutriswiss doesn’t have to maintain its own infrastructure for steam production and enjoys maximum security of supply from CO2-neutral sources during regular operation.”
Biodiesel from animal fat: Closing the sustainability loop
The sustainability efforts at Nutriswiss extend beyond the refinery walls to its logistics operations. Category 1 animal fat, another energy-rich product from GZM, is processed into biodiesel and sold as “ecodiesel” through the plant’s own petrol station. Notably, approximately 80% of the fuel used by Nutriswiss’s logistics fleet is this biodiesel, contributing to CO2-neutral transport of the company’s products.
Regulatory compliance
While the benefits of this sustainable energy network are clear, it’s not without its challenges. The CHP plant must adhere to strict veterinary legislation and comply with the same environmental regulations regarding air pollution as any waste incineration plant. This requires significant investment and careful operation.
Burri acknowledges these challenges but remains optimistic about the approach: “Our commitment to security of supply and sustainability is an investment in the future. We want to make the best possible use of resources and are happy to go the proverbial extra mile to achieve this.”
Future outlook
As Nutriswiss AG progresses towards its 2030 climate-neutral target, the company’s approach serves as a potential model for other food industry players seeking to reduce their environmental impact. By making efficient use of existing resources and fostering close partnerships within its supply chain, Nutriswiss demonstrates that sustainability and operational efficiency can go hand in hand in the food processing sector.
