EMULSIFIERS
30
P
alsgaard has reached its goal of total
carbon-neutral production two years early,
describing the achievement as a milestone
for the whole ingredients industry.
The Danish company, known as the inventor of
the modern plant-based food emulsifier, has a long
history of social and environmental responsibility.
In 2010, it set itself the goal of completely carbon-
neutral production within ten years.
It has achieved this target two years ahead
of schedule, reducing its net carbon emissions
from 12,029 tonnes in 2010 to zero in 2018.
Over that period, it has achieved CO 2
reductions totalling 56,175 tonnes - equivalent
to the amount produced by 4885 European
(EU) households in a year.
The company's six global production sites are
now all carbon-neutral, mainly through changing
sources of energy. Strategies have included new
heat recovery and insulation techniques, a switch
from heavy fuel oil to certified biogas, and the use
of renewables. At Palsgaard's main site in
Denmark, all electricity is sourced from hydro
power, and 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. Because
changing energy sources is not possible
everywhere, Palsgaard has also partnered with
the UN and purchases its official carbon credits
to offset emissions.
As far as the company is aware, it is the
FOOD BUSINESS GULF & MIDDLE EAST
PALSGAARD
ACHIEVES TOTAL
CARBON-NEUTRAL
PRODUCTION
only emulsifier manufacturer to achieve carbon
neutrality but it hopes others will follow suit.
Jakob Thøisen, CEO of Palsgaard said: “This
is a major milestone — not just for Palsgaard
but for the whole ingredients industry. 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
CO 2 -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, which is celebrating its centenary
this year, is now planning a range of new
green initiatives, including a new solar energy
park at its headquarters in Denmark.
JULY-SEPTEMBER 2019