By Fei Thompson, Staff Writer, EMEA News
Efforts toward sustainability are advancing within the animal nutrition and agriculture sectors, with companies such as Alltech and Jefo introducing measures to reduce environmental impact. However, challenges persist in balancing environmental goals with economic and social considerations.
Speaking to Expana at last week’s EuroTier trade show in Germany, Alltech said it has started integrating solar panels into its facilities in the Netherlands as part of its commitment to net-zero operations. Patrick Charlton, Vice President for Europe at Alltech, highlighted the complexities involved, particularly the recyclability of solar panels.
“The lifespan of solar panels is a big question. In 20 years, when they become outdated, their recyclability will pose a problem. This is something the entire industry will face,” Charlton stated. He also noted concerns about funding sustainability initiatives, referencing the United Nations’ definition of sustainability, which incorporates environmental, social, and economic dimensions. “A key problem is who will pay for sustainability,” he said.
Jefo, a Canadian animal nutrition company, is also implementing renewable energy solutions. Brand and Product Vice President Emilie Fontaine also told Expana at EuroTier that the company plans to install solar panels on its production facilities, but current solar technology does not yet meet their efficiency requirements.
In the interim, Jefo’s new plants will use hydroelectric power, with plans to adopt solar panels in the future as technology improves. “In the next 10 years, we aim to replace this with solar panels as advancements in technology extend their lifespan,” said Fontaine.
While the Canadian government subsidies for solar panel installations offer a potential return on investment (ROI) of 10 years, Jefo has noted that many solar panels do not currently last long enough to make the investment viable. The company has chosen to delay such investments but remains committed to transitioning to renewable energy in the long term.
Jefo is also pursuing other sustainability measures, such as conducting life cycle analyses of its key products and working to reduce its carbon footprint. Fontaine highlighted the importance of these efforts in addressing market demands: “More than 98% of the North American population has dairy, eggs, or meat in their fridge. Sustainability is an essential consideration in this growing market.”
Other companies interviewed at EuroTier, such as Utrix, are taking a different approach, prioritizing efficiency over immediate investments in renewable energy.
Thi Banchereau, Innovation Director at Utrix, commented, “Everyone is talking about sustainability. We will get there, but right now, our focus is more on efficiency and being cost-effective, optimising as a business.”
