NETHERLANDS – Danone has announced that it has opened a new ‘sustainable Nutricia plant in the Netherlands to meet the growing need for specialized infant formula.
Danone said it has invested US$271.52 million (€240 million) in the facility, located in Cuijk, Netherlands with a goal to increase its capacity in production of formula for specific health conditions.
Once fully operational, the state-of-the-art facility, which it says is among the largest investments in its European production network in the last ten years, will employ close to 500 employees and support up to an additional 2,000 jobs through indirect employment.
To check on its carbon and environmental footprint, the Cuijk plant features sustainable initiatives including zero waste and is powered with 100% renewable electricity.
The primary focus will be production of specialized infant formula that meets the needs of infants diagnosed with specific medical conditions such as cow’s milk protein allergy, as well as standard infant formula.
“At Danone, we believe the health of people and the planet are interconnected, as expressed through our company vision ‘One Planet. One Health’,” said Veronique Penchienati -Bosetta, Executive Vice President, Danone Specialized Nutrition.
“Our new Nutricia Cuijk facility is a significant investment towards achieving that vision.
At this facility, we’ll be producing food for vulnerable babies; and we’re also doing everything we can to preserve a healthy and clean environment for future generations.”
The Cuijk plant supports the expansion of Danone’s range of specialized infant formula products specially tailored for babies with specific health needs.
According to Danone, global prevalence for allergy is steadily rising, and approximately 2-5% of infants develop cow’s milk protein allergy within the first year of life.
Green technologies
To check on its carbon and environmental footprint, the Cuijk plant features sustainable initiatives including zero waste and is powered with 100% renewable electricity.
In addition to doubling capacity at the initial plant, the new Nutricia Cuijk facility will cut water and energy consumption as well as CO2 emissions, said Danone.
It will use 60% less water, 25% less energy and emit 50% less CO2 than the legacy plant.
“Producing such highly specialized infant formula, our new facility builds on the scientific heritage of Nutricia, coupled with the latest green technologies.
Today’s opening ceremony marks the next chapter for Nutricia Cuijk – here in the Netherlands, and as part of the Danone family,” added Ms. Penchienati -Bosetta.
