Danone New Zealand completes switch to biomass boiler to power South Island spray drying plant with renewable energy

• New Zealand’s first dairy spray drying plant powered exclusively by biomass fuel

• Fueled by locally sourced sustainable forestry waste, the now fully commissioned biomass boiler will reduce CO2 emissions by 20,000 tonnes per year

Danone announced the commissioning of its biomass boiler at the company’s spray drying plant located at Balclutha, in the Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island. Combined with the use of 100% renewable electricity at the plant, CO2 emissions will be reduced by 95%, helping to underpin Danone’s global ambition to be a net-zero carbon company by 2050.

Danone’s Balclutha spray drying plant processes fresh milk sourced from twenty local farms into a powder, that is used as the base for the production of leading baby formula brands including Aptamil and Karicare.

Boilers play a central role in spray drying – the process of converting milk into dry powder through the application of heat – with around 85% of the entire plant’s energy consumption coming from steam production. Unlike gas or the more common coal-powered fossil fuel boilers in New Zealand, Danone’s biomass boiler is powered by locally-sourced wood residues from sustainably-managed forests, supplying the plant with indigenous, renewable energy. The biomass project forms part of Danone’s landmark global Re-Fuel energy excellence program, with an ambition to transition to competitive, resilient, and renewable sources of energy.

“This is a significant investment for Danone and one that underscores our belief that to produce healthy food, we must have a healthy planet,” said Steve Donnelly, operations director, Danone- New Zealand. “This has not been a simple project for us, especially with the impact of COVID, however it is symbolic of the action required for a business to contribute in an impactful way to realise a low-emissions, climate-resilient future for New Zealand.”

Sustainable impact from farm to families, home and abroad

Danone’s commitment to sustainability spans every aspect of the production cycle, from material sourcing to manufacturing, distribution, and end-of-life of its products. In addition to reducing operational CO2 emissions in New Zealand, more than 90% of the two product packaging materials used locally are fully recyclable, with an ambition to achieve 100% by 2025. Danone is also investing in regenerative agriculture research in New Zealand with partners AgResearch and Synlait. The five-year study commenced in 2021 and will compare soil health on farms deploying a range of regenerative agriculture practices with farms using conventional practices.

“Danone’s sustainability approach includes consideration for not only our carbon footprint, but also water conservation, packaging circularity, and regenerative agriculture,” added Donnelly. “Improving the sustainability credentials of our products also underscores a key attribute of New Zealand’s 100% Pure brand that enhances our competitiveness here at home, but also in important export markets.”

Pathway to net-zero carbon

As part of its ambition to achieve net zero emissions across its value chain by 2050, Danone has been working to dramatically reduce emissions. Since 2015, operational emissions have been reduced by 48.3% and the total emission intensity of Danone products has reduced by 27.1%. Danone is one of few companies worldwide to be awarded a AAA score (past three years) by CDP for its leadership in the fight against climate change, deforestation, and water resource preservation4. Danone production facilities in New Zealand Danone acquired the Balclutha spray drying plant and its Airport Oaks (Auckland) blending, packing, and canning facilities in 2014. Since then, the company has increased the production capacity of finished infant formula products in New Zealand and transformed its facilities in the country, enabling manufacturers to Danone’s exacting global food safety and quality standards with a continued focus on sustainability.