PRESS RELEASE

4 December 2019

Palsgaard has won the Sustainability Champion prize at the Food Ingredients Europe Innovation Awards.

The Danish emulsifier specialist clinched the award after reducing net CO2 emissions from its six global production sites to zero.

In 2010, Palsgaard set itself the goal of completely carbon neutral production within ten years, and met it in 2018 – two years ahead of schedule. Over the course of those eight years, the company reduced its net CO2 emissions from 12,029 tonnes to zero. In total, its carbon reductions amounted to 56,175 tonnes, which is equivalent to the amount produced by 4,885 EU households in a year.

Palsgaard achieved its target primarily by changing the energy sources used by its factories. Strategies have included a switch from heavy fuel oil to certified biogas, and the use of renewables. At Palsgaard’s main site in Denmark, all electricity is sourced from hydro power, and indoor heating is powered by burning home-grown straw rather than oil.

Its factory in the Netherlands, meanwhile, has over 800 solar panels and has used only renewable energy (solar, wind and biogas) since the start of 2018.

As far as Palsgaard is aware, it is the only emulsifier manufacturer to achieve carbon neutrality but it hopes other companies will follow suit.

Palsgaard CEO Jakob Thøisen said: “We’re delighted to have been honoured with this award. Climate change is the biggest challenge facing the world right now and sustainability is not only hugely important to us but to our customers too. The production of emulsifiers is highly energy-intensive because it requires very high temperatures and high pressure, but we’ve shown that it’s possible to go carbon-neutral. It’s fantastic for everyone working at Palsgaard that our efforts have been recognised.”

The Fi Innovation Awards celebrate companies and organisations breaking new ground in the food and beverage industry. The Sustainability Champion Award is given to the entrant that best demonstrates a measurable sustainability strategy championing environmental or social sustainability.

For more information please contact:

Mette Dal Steffensen, Senior Marketing Specialist, Palsgaard A/S
​[email protected] | +45 2073 4534

or

Steve Harman, Account Director, Ingredient Communications
​[email protected] | + 44 (0)7538 118079

About Palsgaard

Emulsifier specialist Palsgaard helps the global food industry make the most of the ability to mix oil and water.

Thanks to the company’s specialized emulsifiers (and emulsifier/stabilizer systems), bakery, confectionery, condiments, dairy, ice cream, margarine and meat producers can improve the quality and extend the shelf-life of their products. Just as importantly, they can produce better-for-you products with improved taste, mouthfeel and texture while using less resources.

Since its founder Einar Viggo Schou invented the modern plant-based food emulsifier in 1917, Palsgaard has offered the industry know-how and innovation. From its six application centers around the world Palsgaard’s experienced food technologists help manufacturers optimize existing recipes and develop delicious products with better nutritional profiles.

Palsgaard helps manufacturers meet consumer and regulatory demands for greater responsibility, helping them grow and protect their brands. It is currently the world’s only commercial source of fully sustainable, emulsifiers based on RSPO SG-certified palm oil and produced by CO2-neutral factories in Denmark, the Netherlands, Mexico, Brazil, China and Malaysia. The company’s products are non-GMO, and meet halal and kosher requirements.

In addition to its food emulsifiers, Palsgaard supplies the polymers industry with a series of plant-based polymer additives, which are particularly suited for preventing fogging and dust on plastic packaging. 

Palsgaard is owned by the Schou Foundation and has 549 employees across 16 countries. Its turnover in 2018 was 211 million USD (1.4 billion DKK) with products sold to more than 120 countries.