Food production

The biggest climate impacts in our food production in the factories derive from our energy and water consumption, transportation and packaging.

Our eco-management system lies at the heart of our factories’ environmental efforts. This integrates both the environment and the working environment. Our pig abattoirs have been certified in line with international eco-management standards since 2005, and these serve as the engine to guide the conditions and achieve progress.

Energy and water consumption

Abattoir operations and meat processing require a lot of energy and a lot of water. Much of the energy consumption goes toward cooling down the animal carcasses, while much of the water consumption goes toward cleaning.

The abattoirs have had a constant focus on water and energy consumption since the mid-80s, and have continuously optimised production processes. This includes by purchasing new production equipment with low water and energy consumption. Food safety requirements have been constantly increasing during the same period. These requirements have resulted in greater consumption of hot water and electricity for refrigeration.

Despite the greater demands, we have not consumed more water over the last many years, because we are constantly working strategically on water and energy saving projects that allow us to save in other areas.

Every time we invest in new technology, we assess whether the equipment we are installing in the abattoirs has the best environment standards. We set environment requirements for our suppliers, and after the equipment has been installed, we verify that the requirements have been met.

Another potential source of environmental pollution at the abattoirs is the discharge of organically loaded wastewater. This contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and readily convertible organic material, which derives in part from the manure and blood that ends up in the sewer when the animals are cut open.

Particulate matter is filtered out of the wastewater before it is discharged into the public sewerage system and treatment plant. Because the waste water contains substances that are easily converted in a biological purification plant, it can help to purify other wastewater when there is a lack of carbon in the treatment plant.
We also have a strong focus on the cleaning products we use. When external cleaning companies clean our facilities, they submit a list of cleaning products. We environmentally screen against a positive list, which takes into account the impact of the products on the aquatic environment, among other factors. Products may only be used if they fulfil the requirements.

We are also continually working to identify and phase out the most environmentally harmful products.

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