Beneo, one of the leading manufacturers of functional ingredients, has announced a 40 % reduction in specific carbon emissions at its Oreye facility in Belgium. This achievement is a result of a 10-year programme of energy saving, which closed with an EUR 11 m investment into increased energy efficiency measures. The reductions at Oreye show the company’s continued commitment to prioritising sustainable practices in all of its facilities. This latest development marks an important step for Beneo as it aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.

As part of the recent investment, a new gas turbine and heat recovery boiler was installed at the Oreye facility. As well as providing for the company’s own electricity production needs, the new system also enables it to export an additional 5 MW to the public electric grid network each year.

Beneo has been producing prebiotic natural chicory root fibres at Oreye since 1992, by using a gentle hot water extraction method. The resulting dietary fibres inulin and oligofructose can be used in cereals or bakery and confectionery products.

Beneos’s sustainability initiative at Oreye comes as part of an overall EUR 61 m investment in Belgium in the past twelve months. The company also recently announced a EUR 50 m investment in its rice starch facility in Wijgmaal.