Key objectives for 2022–2025
All Raisio’s own production is carbon neutral by the end of 2023.
We will report the (scope 3) CO2 emissions of Raisio’s value chain for 2022 and set a timetable and targets to reduce them.
We will reduce food loss and waste as well as utilise production sidestreams throughout the value chain.
Own factories now
carbon-neutral
One of the key objectives of our sustainability programme has been to make our own production carbon-neutral by the end of 2023. This important objective was achieved at the end of the year, resulting in all of our factories running on carbon-neutral energy from the beginning of December 2023 onwards.
The solutions were found by developing operations and processes, together with our partners.
Our Kauhava factory and finding a solution for it required the cooperation of several parties:
- The Kauhava factory switched to biofuel for the steam needed in production in March 2023.
- Kauhava’s electricity needs will be covered by the Raisio Group’s joint electricity contract, which uses carbon-neutral electricity.
- The district heating for Kauhava factory is provided by Kauhavan Kaukolämpö Oy, but the heating energy solutions for the premises are in the hands of Kauhavan Yrityskiinteistöt Oy. A carbon-neutral solution was found when Kauhavan Kaukolämpö Oy signed up its heat production to the energy guarantee of origin scheme. As a result, we can be sure that the Kauhava factory site is heated with heat produced from renewable wood chips.
The bioenergy solutions implemented in Raisio’s own factories have proven their worth in the face of the energy challenges:
- In summer 2021, a heating plant was commissioned at the Nokia mill, which utilises oat hulls, a side stream of the mill’s processes, to produce heat and steam. In just a short time, the heating plant has proven to be a good way to ensure not only a responsible but also a cost-effective energy supply.
- The Raisionkaari industrial area has already been carbon-neutral since 2018, with heat and steam from the area’s own bioenergy plant.
With energy efficiency we ensure energy sufficiency
Energy efficiency is an important part of Raisio Group’s responsibility programme, and we have been involved in the Energy Efficiency Agreement for Industries since 2008. The agreement is currently in its second period, and the goal is to reduce the total energy consumption by 7.5 per cent by the end of 2025. The comparison is based on the 2015 level.
We are constantly looking for new ways to improve energy efficiency and save on electricity. For example, energy saving is always a factor when we invest in equipment, as more advanced equipment also often consumes less energy.
Scope 3 carbon footprint calculations
In cooperation with Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), we have calculated our indirect carbon dioxide emissions, i.e. Scope 3 emissions. The calculation is based on the Scope 3 guidelines of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. It includes indirect emissions related to our activities, originating from emission sources that are not owned or controlled by the company. Upstream emissions include indirect emissions before the manufacture of products, and downstream emissions include indirect emissions after the manufacture of products.
Our Scope 3 calculation shows that most of our Scope 3 emissions come from the production and cultivation of raw materials, which is typical for the food industry. Grains, our main raw material, account for around 65% of the total CO2 emissions.
The reduction of emissions requires long-term work with the supply chain
The calculation confirms our view that in the future we need to work more closely with the supply chain, and primary producers in particular, to reduce overall emissions.
We have therefore launched a project to collect more detailed farm-specific information to determine the carbon footprint of grains, particularly oats. The reduction of emissions requires long-term efforts by all parties.
The collection of detailed data is arduous, and farming is subject to large annual variations in yields, so it takes time to see the effects of any changes. Compared to 2022, total Scope 3 emissions have decreased. This is due to fluctuations in the quantity of raw materials used.
You will find calculations in our Corporate Sustainability Report
We produce more from less
Food waste is generated in all parts of the food chain, including our factories. Factories also generate so-called side streams – material that is not needed in the product itself, but could be used elsewhere.
Our primary goal is to prevent waste: we want to improve our processes and practices to minimise the amount of waste. If there is waste, our aim is to ensure that edible food that is unfit for sale goes back into the food chain and inedible food waste is used for other purposes.
Below are examples of how we reduce food waste and make more efficient use of side streams:
