Nestlé Spain announced an investment of 22 million euros in the construction of a second biomass boiler at its coffee factory in Girona, which will be operational in 2025. This new boiler, together with the existing one, will help prevent the emission of more than 18,000 tons of CO₂ at these facilities, which employ 870 people.
New biomass boiler in Girona
During a press conference, the general manager of Nestlé Spain, Jordi Llach, together with the head of sustainability, Miguel Antúnez, explained the details of this investment. Llach defended the importance of these initiatives, stating: “If you really believe in sustainability, you don’t stop regardless of how the year goes. These investments are crucial, but it is the only way to achieve a real impact on the entire chain.”.
The Girona plant produces soluble Nescafé and Nescafé Dolce Gusto capsules. Last year, they generated 52,000 tons of coffee grounds and since 2020, a first biomass boiler is in operation, which involved an investment of 17 million euros. The new boiler aims to revalue 100% of coffee grounds and will use forest chips from sustainably managed forests, thus reducing dependence on natural gas, according to Antúnez.
Over the past five years, the plant has been able to reduce its CO₂ emissions emissions by 45% and its total energy consumption by 23%. With the new boiler, it is expected to increase emissions reduction by 30%, thus avoiding more than 18,000 tons of CO₂. Llach stressed that sustainability is essential from the beginning of the process, pointing out that the ingredients used generate 70% of the emissions.
Collaboration for more sustainable production
Additionally, Bioenergy Ibérica has expanded the steam production capacity of the biomass boiler at Nestlé’s Cantabrian factory. The company also promotes regenerative agriculture in seven countries, focusing on minimizing water consumption and improving soil health, in collaboration with the Global Nature Foundation. The use of trucks with biofuel derived from used oils has led to an 80% reduction in transportation emissions.
Llach supported European regulations against greenwashing, stressing the importance of denouncing misleading practices and respecting regulations. In 2023, Nestlé spent a total of €70 million on sustainability initiatives in its 10 factories in Spain.
In the context of its commitment to sustainability, Nestlé is also exploring innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence to optimize the use of resources in its factories. These technologies allow real-time monitoring of energy and water consumption, which facilitates more efficient and sustainable management of natural resources.
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Source: elperiodicodelaenergia
Photo: Shutterstock
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