Environment and climate conservation

Climate and energy

To conserve resources, energy must be saved and used efficiently. We therefore continuously work to improve our energy efficiency. Among other things, we examine how electricity consumption can be reduced, waste avoided, and the use of building and production technology as well as company vehicles made more efficient.These topics are addressed by our energy management, which was established by the company’s management several years ago. It coordinates measures for the efficient use of energy and supports their implementation.Our photovoltaic system on the roof of the company premises typically generates around 180,000 kWh of solar electricity per year. Actual generation may vary depending on weather conditions and operating conditions. The system covers an area of approximately 1,600 m².Another major project is the commissioning of a new compressed-air combined heat and power plant. Due to its high efficiency, the planned combined generation of electricity and heat is intended to contribute to energy savings. The actual savings will be determined and documented on the basis of suitable consumption data after commissioning.Measures have also been implemented in recent years through the use of energy-efficient lighting. Many rooms are now equipped with LED lighting, some of which is controlled by motion sensors.

Membership of the REGINEE network

AVO is a member of the REGINEE Emsland network. The network enables participating companies to exchange information and experience on energy-efficiency topics.As part of the network’s activities, participants discuss opportunities for more efficient energy use and share experience with suitable measures.

West plant expansion

We just completed our new logistics centre at the Belm site at the beginning of 2021. This means we no longer have to outsource parts of our warehouse and so can reduce transport distances. The new logistics centre was built on the recycled floor slab of the former buildings so as to ensure the sparing use of our resources.

Packaging

For part of our bucket packaging, we have replaced round containers with square ones. The square containers are designed for use in E2 crates and can make better use of the available space. This can help optimise loading during transport.For selected industrial customers, we use reusable packaging in the form of IBC containers. Whether and to what extent reusable packaging is used depends on the product, its intended application and the respective customer requirements.Together with packaging partners, we continuously review our packaging solutions. Changes to individual packaging formats are made following technical assessment and taking product-specific requirements into account.

Soil

With the construction of our new logistics centre, an additional 2000 square metres of green space was created on which various trees were planted. Our newly created parking spaces were built on 5000 square metres of percolating paving. In this way, we support the natural water cycle at our Belm site and take the strain off the sewerage system and sewage treatment plants.

Pepper project

In 2020, we launched the first pepper cultivation project in Germany in cooperation with Osnabrück University of the Applied Sciences. This project is aimed at developing and optimising a cultivation system for pepper plants, in order to expand and pass on the knowledge of optimal cultivation conditions.

Biodiversity – organic assortment

AVO-Werke August Beisse GmbH is certified under Regulation (EU) 2018/848 for the processing and the distribution or placing on the market of organic products.The certified product scope includes, among other products, organic spices, organic spice blends, organic spice preparations, organic marinades, organic sauces, and liquid and powdered organic seasonings. The product scope specified in the valid certificate is authoritative.The products listed in the Naturland certificate are also covered by Naturland certification. The exact scope is set out in the full certificate and the related product list.The full certificates are available online.

Reduced use of palm oil

Palm oil is used by AVO only in selected customer-specific formulations.AVO holds a valid RSPO Supply Chain Certification for the purchase of RSPO-certified palm oil fractions and derivatives, as well as for their processing into spices, spice blends, marinades and dressings at its Belm site. The certification covers the Segregated and Mass Balance supply chain models.The specific scope and validity period are set out in the current RSPO certificate, which is available online.

No MEAT

Under the “No MEAT” label, AVO has been developing products and solutions for the production of vegetarian and vegan food alternatives since 2016, particularly for applications in the sausage and processed-meat sector.For this purpose, AVO develops spices, spice blends and other formulation solutions based on alternative proteins. Depending on the formulation and application, these products can be used in a range of vegetarian and vegan food products.The development of alternative protein solutions is coordinated within a dedicated development area at AVO. The focus is on the technical requirements of each application, the desired product quality and reliable processing performance.AVO works with alternative protein sources and explores their use in food production. The product range is aimed at customers developing or manufacturing vegetarian or vegan food products.