DENMARK – The Danish ingredients provider, Palsgaard has announced that it has achieved its target of total carbon-neutral production across its six global manufacturing sites.
The company which provides emulsifiers and stabilizers for the bakery and food industry said it has achieved the goal, set in 2010, two years ahead of the schedule, reinforcing its commitment to reducing the impact of carbon emissions on the environment.
The ambitious goal was set to ensure that Palsgaard eliminates its carbon footprint at all global production sites by 2020.
The company has revealed that it has reduced its net carbon emissions from 12,029 tonnes in 2010 to zero in 2018.
Over that period, it has achieved CO2 reductions totalling 56,175 tonnes, equivalent to the amount produced by 4885 European (EU) households in a year.
“This is a major milestone not just for Palsgaard but for the whole ingredients industry,” said Jakob Thøisen, CEO of Palsgaard.
“The production of emulsifiers is very energy-intensive and when we decided to eliminate our carbon footprint, many thought it couldn’t be done.
“However, we’ve demonstrated that with ambition and innovation, sustainable ingredient production is possible.
“Achieving CO2-neutral status ahead of schedule has given us extra energy to continue making a difference.
“We hope other companies will be inspired to go on the same journey.”
Palsgaard said the milestone was achieved mainly through changing sources of energy, use of new heat recovery and insulation techniques, switch from heavy fuel oil to certified biogas, and the use of renewables.
Its Denmark site uses electricity exclusively sourced from hydro power, while indoor heating is powered by burning home-grown straw rather than oil.
The company’s Dutch factory has over 800 solar panels and has run off only renewable energy since the start of 2018.
Palsgaard said it has also partnered with the UN and purchases its official carbon credits to offset emissions.
“Throughout Palsgaard’s hundred-year history, we have been dedicated to meeting challenges and climate change is undoubtedly the greatest challenge facing us now,” said Anders Brix, Group CEO of the Schou Foundation, which owns Palsgaard.
“At the moment, carbon neutrality is a rare achievement, but it will soon be the norm.
“Manufacturers will be forced to reduce their emissions, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because environmentally conscious consumers demand it.”
