Sustainable Business Areas
ESG FEATURES
- Waste to Clean Energy
- Reduced Greenhouse Gases
- Produces Organic Fertiliser
Renewable Power for the Energy Transition
Biogas
Biogas systems use anaerobic digestion to recycle biomass waste into biogas, which can produce heat and electricity and can also be upgraded into Biomethane (also called renewable natural gas). This can be injected into natural gas pipelines or used as renewable fuel. The energy generated may also be used to produce green hydrogen. Digestate – the material remaining after the digestion process – can be used as natural fertiliser, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers. Two key feedstocks for biogas are crop residues and animal manure, so in addition to recycling waste into energy, this process captures methane that could otherwise escape to the atmosphere as the residues and manure decompose.
These systems turn the cost of waste management into a revenue opportunity, converting waste into a renewable source of energy, reducing CO2 and methane emissions and improving environmental quality. This also provides an opportunity to recycle nutrients in the food supply, reducing the need for both petrochemical and mined fertilisers.
ESG FEATURES
- Organic Fertiliser
- Natural Animal Feed
- Efficient CO2 Sink
Natural Fertiliser and Feedstock
Biochar
Biochar is charcoal that is produced by biomass pyrolysis (the thermal conversion of organic matter in the absence of oxygen). It has a porous surface structure and chemical properties that enable it to capture and hold nutrients and moisture, as well as providing a place for micro-organisms and fungi to reside. Used as fertiliser it results in more fertile soil, increased crop yields, and improved crop nutrition. Biochar fertiliser also sequesters CO2.
Livestock farmers increasingly use biochar as a regular feed supplement to improve animal health, increase nutrient intake efficiency and thus productivity. As biochar gets enriched with nitrogen-rich organic compounds during the digestion process, the excreted biochar-manure becomes a more valuable organic fertilizer causing lower nutrient losses and greenhouse gas emissions during storage and soil application.
Other established uses include air and water purification as well as microchip manufacture.
ESG FEATURES
- Clean, Sustainable System
- Saves Water
- Organic Fish and Produce
Efficient, Circular Technology
Aquaponics
Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are a modern way to farm fish in indoor tanks within a controlled environment. These onshore systems purify and recycle water, use less feed, reduce parasites and diseases, eliminating antibiotic use. They avoid the environmental problems caused by offshore fish farming. Solid waste is recycled as biogas and fertilizer. Fresh fish are produced on limited land near to key markets thereby reducing land use and transport logistics, reducing CO2 emissions.
Hydroponics is a type of horticulture whereby a wide variety of crops are grown without soil by using nutrient solutions in water. The benefits of hydroponics include higher yields, reduced water consumption, less pesticide and herbicide use and less soil erosion. It is suited to most climates.
Aquaponics is a symbiotic combination of aquaculture and hydroponics in which water from an aquaculture system is fed to a hydroponic system, there the waste by-product from the fish is converted by bacteria into fertiliser for the plants. The water is returned to the fish in a clean and safe form.
Other established uses include air and water purification as well as microchip manufacture.
ESG FEATURES
- High Value from Plant Residue
- Naturally Healthy
- Reduces Food Waste
Natural Products from Surplus Plant Biomass
Nutraceuticals
Nutraceuticals are substances that are a food or part of a food and provide medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease. They include antioxidants, natural vitamins and minerals. Potential benefits for the consumer include improved health, delayed aging, prevention of diseases, and physiological well-being.
Environmental benefits arise from extraction of valuable natural substances from agricultural waste and byproducts. Circularity is achieved by using renewable energy from our other business areas. An efficient conversion of waste into highly profitable products for a growing market. Adaptable to a wide variety of raw materials in different regions.
