44 | Pioneering agricultural research At the core of Danone’s sustainability efforts in Balclutha is a state-of-the-art biomass boiler. T T from page 42 Danone Nutricia REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The potential benefits of this research extend far beyond individual farms. Improved soil health is expected to positively impact the wider environment, enhancing freshwater and nutrient outcomes, supporting biodiversity, increasing soil carbon storage, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Steve says it will also positively impact the Balclutha plant’s operations. The plant sources raw milk from 20 local farms, which is then spray-dried and turned into the base powder for many of Danone’s products. Some of this powder is shipped to Auckland for further processing, while some is exported to other Danone plants worldwide. At the core of Danone’s sustainability efforts in Balclutha is a state-of-the-art biomass boiler, operational for nearly two years. This innovative technology, powered by sustainable by-products from local forestry, has slashed the plant’s CO2 emissions by at least 13,500 tonnes annually – equivalent to removing 7,900 cars from the road. With even better outcomes expected when the boiler is operating at optimal levels, this makes the biomass boiler an integral part of Danone’s sustainability strategy. The company has also implemented a wastewater treatment facility at the Balclutha plant, further reducing its environmental footprint. These initiatives are part of Danone’s broader goal to become a net-zero company across its full scope by 2050. The company’s efforts reflect a broader shift in consumer preferences. “A food revolution has started. People today want to know more about where their food comes from, how it was produced, and the people behind the brands they choose every day. At Danone, we want to accelerate this food revolution.” Danone’s commitment to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. The company was recognized as a global environmental leader becoming one of only six companies worldwide to receive a ‘triple A’ score from the international non-profit charity CDP. Locally, Danone is already certified as a B-Corp and the brand has ambitions to become certified globally by 2025, which would make it the largest company to date to achieve this certification. Looking to the future, Steve and his team are exploring even more ambitious sustainability goals. “In the long term, Danone is looking to further reduce its operations’ environmental impact as much as possible and preserve New Zealand’s local resources through large-scale initiatives.” At the core of Danone’s sustainability efforts in Balclutha is a state-of-the-art biomass boiler. Proudly associated with Danone Nutricia INVERCARGILL | QUEENSTOWN | DUNEDIN | CROMWELL | CHRISTCHURCH | AUCKLAND | WELLINGTON 0800 272 233 | USGenquiries@unitedscaffolding.co.nz | unitedscaffolding.co.nz Australasia’s Most Experienced • Largest capacity of biomass boilers installed in NZ • Complete range of combustion technologies and sizes • Specialists in generation of process heat and power from the full spectrum of biomass fuels, including forest residues, waste by-products, sludges, etc • Steam from electric, geothermal and other renewable energy resources, plus thermal battery systems • Completed the largest coal to biomass conversion in NZ Design-build-service partner for Biomass Boilers
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