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Energy & Sustainability

Recovering animal waste to produce carbon-neutral heat, electricity, and fuel

Swiss Circuvalor

Swiss Ecovalor

Leading by example

The Centravo Group combines logistics, raw material recovery, and energy generation to create a closed loop – something we call multiplying value. Organic by-products are collected, processed, and reused as sustainable energy sources. This allows us to recover valuable resources from waste materials, which we then use for heating, mobility, and to ensure security of supply.

Logistics is the first link in the value chain. Organic by-products must be transported quickly, safely, and in compliance with strict legal requirements (in accordance with the provisions of the Animal By-Products Ordinance (ABO)). Specialized vehicles transport the waste materials to the processing plants within a matter of hours.

The demands are high: different product groups, seasonally fluctuating quantities, and seamless traceability make a well-coordinated organization indispensable. Hygiene, environmental regulations, road safety, and occupational health and safety take top priority.

Multiplying the value of animal waste materials to generate energy

Swiss Circuvalor multiplies the value of organic waste materials (Category 1 – Material) as carbon-neutral energy sources (animal fat and animal meal), ensures comprehensive treatment of wastewater and exhaust air, and takes on important waste disposal tasks for the Swiss meat processing industry while also assisting the cantons with epidemic preparedness.

90,000+

metric tons of waste materials (K1) multiplied in value every year.

12,000+

metric tons of animal fat for biodiesel production.

cantons provided with disposal services at carcass collection points.

GWh of waste heat fed into the Lyss Nord district heating network.

2,650

metric tons of CO₂ saved through the use of up to 85% biodiesel in Centravo’s logistics fleet.

District heating from waste heat

We also multiply the value of energy generated during processing. Waste heat from Swiss Circuvalor’s production processes in Lyss is fed into the “Wärme Lyss Nord” district heating network and supplies more than 880 private households as well as industrial and commercial enterprises with sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective heat.

Multiplying value for sustainable energy

Swiss Ecovalor operates a combined heat and power plant (CHP) in Lyss that burns animal meal to produce carbon-neutral steam and electricity for the Centravo Group’s facilities.

Swiss Ecovalor also markets sustainable biodiesel for the Centravo Group that is produced from the K1 fat extracted by Swiss Circuvalor. This biodiesel meets European standard EN 14214, significantly exceeds various quality parameters, combines economic and environmental benefits, and consistently implements the circular economy concept.

10,000+

metric tons of animal meal are converted into carbon-neutral energy.

2,5

GWh of carbon-neutral electricity is fed into Centravo’s on-site power grid.

40,000+

metric tons of carbon-neutral steam are produced for Centravo’s plants.

Our companies

Centravo Holding AG unites excellent companies working in specific areas and sectors of raw materials and product development. Find out more about them.

Swiss Circuvalor

In the Energy & Sustainability segment, Swiss Circuvalor makes valuable contributions to the resource-efficient processing of animal waste materials and feeds the energy it generates into the local district heating network.

Swiss Ecovalor

Swiss Ecovalor makes an important contribution to climate-friendly manufacturing and the sustainable transport of our goods – through the use of carbon-neutral electricity, steam, and eco-diesel.

Any questions?

Find out more about carbon neutrality, the circular economy, energy efficiency, and sustainable waste disposal at Centravo. Our FAQs answer the most important questions about energy generation, resource use, and epidemic preparedness.

How does Centravo contribute to carbon neutrality?

Swiss Circuvalor transforms animal waste materials into carbon-neutral combustibles and fuels for Centravo. In addition, waste heat from production processes is reused in a district heating network.

What does the circular economy mean at Centravo?

Centravo returns organic by-products from the food industry to the material cycle. Waste materials are used to produce energy, fuels, and heat for industry, commerce, and private households.

How is energy efficiency implemented in the processing operations?

The waste heat generated during processing is reused and fed by Swiss Circuvalor into the “Wärme Lyss Nord” district heating network. Cutting-edge systems simultaneously perform efficient wastewater and exhaust air treatment.

Which tasks does Swiss Circuvalor perform within the scope of its disposal services?

Swiss Circuvalor handles the professional disposal of animal waste materials from the Swiss meat processing industry as well as the disposal of carcasses surrendered at public collection points and those of large farm animals.

What role does epidemic preparedness play?

In the event of an outbreak, Swiss Circuvalor plays important role in national epidemic preparedness and security of supply by ensuring the safe disposal of affected animals.

Why is ecodiesel considered a sustainable fuel?

ecodiesel is produced from animal waste materials, meaning it does not compete with food or feed production. This fuel meets high quality standards and is a direct substitute for fossil diesel.

How sustainable are the logistics operations of the Centravo Group?

The Centravo Group’s logistics operations rely on short transport routes, high efficiency, and the use of biofuels from its own raw material recovery facilities. This conserves resources and reduces emissions.

What legal requirements does Centravo meet with regard to processing?

Animal by-products are processed and transported in accordance with the legal requirements of the Animal By-Products Ordinance (ABO). Hygiene, traceability, and environmental and safety standards take top priority.