COSSÉ-LE-VIVIEN, FRANCE — On Feb. 15, Oterra debuted a state-of-the-art biomass boiler at its site in Cossé-le-Vivien, accelerating its decarbonization efforts. According to Oterra, the biomass boiler will allow it to reduce its Scope 1 emissions and contribute to the company’s sustainability.

The Cossé-le-Vivien site was established in 1929 and specializes in producing colors from natural sources. The new 3.5 MW biomass boiler will help the company reduce its CO2e emissions by more than 3,000 tons annually, according to Oterra.

The biomass boiler covers more than 82% of the site’s steam requirements, in addition to a new gas steam boiler that provides backup support, the company shared. Designed and implemented by ENGIE Solutions, the biomass boiler uses wood chip byproducts from the woodland and agroforestry industries, all sourced within 150 kilometers (about 93 miles) from the plant. This, according to Oterra, builds upon its commitment to local, renewable energy and sustainable resource management.

“Our sustainability strategy is intricately linked with our core purpose — making natural food and beverage easy for a sustainable and healthy world,” said Luc Ganivet, general manager of Oterra France. “We actively address climate impact as a central part of our strategy, with our targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), confirming our commitment to a 1.5-degree pathway.”

The project received support with a subsidy of about €1.8 million (approximately $1.9 million USD) from the 2020 Biomass Heart for Industry, Agriculture and Tertiary Sectors (BICAT) project led by The French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME). The biomass boiler’s sourcing adheres to BICAT requirements and ensures responsible practices.

“The Biomass Heat Industry Agriculture Tertiary (BCIAT) call for projects launched annually by ADEME enables companies to decarbonize their processes while relying on locally sourced biomass resources, thereby contributing to the economic development of the region,” said Benoît LACROIX, regional deputy director of ADEME in Pays de la Loire, France.

Oterra’s investment in the biomass boiler also underscores the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship, innovation and collaboration.

“Replacing the old fuel boiler with the biomass boiler at the Cossé-le-Vivien site is a significant step forward to reduce Oterra’s direct emissions,” Ganivet said. “This investment is estimated to give us an impressive 25% reduction of our Scope 1 impacts annually, equivalent to removing 700 petrol-powered cars from the roads a full year or planting close to 50,000 tree seedlings and letting them grow for 10 years.”

Read more about sustainability efforts across the pet food and treat industry.