Case Studies
Location
Wexford
“At extraordinary times like the one we are living at the moment, it is more important than ever to protect the local ecosystems where we operate and create sustainable value for everyone. Our One Planet, One Health, frame of action puts climate at the core of our growth model. The carbon neutral certification of Danone Wexford is an excellent illustration of implementing climate action to protect health of the planet and of the people,”
Company Profile
Employing some 350 people outside Wexford town, Danone Wexford is one of biggest manufacturing plants in the Danone specialised nutrition network and sustainably manufactures high-quality formula milk 24/7. It is a centre of excellence for packaging capabilities and Europe’s largest infant formula packing plant. They produce well known brands like Aptamil, Nutrilon and Cow & Gate that are exported to over 40 countries around the world.
Achieving Carbon Neutrality
Danone Wexford wanted to become the world’s first carbon neutral baby formula plant. This involves reducing energy consumption, having zero waste going to landfills and saving CO2.
How They Did It
Over a 10-year period, the team invested in energy efficiency to reduce energy consumption and installed a biomass boiler using locally sourced wood to supply renewable thermal energy. Using a biomass boiler involved supporting the creation of a local wood producer group to develop a sustainable supply of virgin woodchip from local forestry close to the factory, which in turn has had a positive economic effect in Ireland South East. The facility has developed a digital roadmap which includes a significant number of initiatives to become a paperless site, using drones for monitoring inventory and innovative technologies for monitoring energy. All waste from production processes or packaging materials is recovered so that there is zero waste going to landfills.
Impact for the Company
Danone has transformed its Wexford site into a carbon neutral facility between 2010 and 2020 whilst doubling production volumes. €10m was invested for this, with a 35% drop in energy use. Electricity is now 100% from renewable sources. Zero waste is going to landfills. It all amounts to 10,000 tonnes of CO2 savings, representing a 70% reduction in its direct carbon footprint.
