Chipping away at carbon emissions: Powering our plants in Brazil with renewable wood

Across our operations in Brazil, we’ve completed a bold transformation — powering our boiler systems with renewable wood. This shift accelerates our sustainability efforts by taking a major step toward our long-term, net-zero goal — while driving real progress toward cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030.

Historically, some of our operations in Brazil were powered by oil-fired boilers to generate steam — a method associated higher emissions, volatile costs and environmental impacts. To address these challenges, we transitioned to renewable biomass, sourced primarily from eucalyptus wood. Today, we’re proud to say our operating sites in Brazil are powered by renewable energy.

The last step in this transformation recently occurred at our Rousselot facility in Presidente Epitácio, where we completed the installation of the facility’s second biomass boiler to meet our growing energy needs and reinforce our commitment to emissions reductions.

Closing the carbon loop with renewable biomass

Our approach to utilizing biomass as a renewable fuel source goes far beyond what you might expect — we embrace a circular, sustainable model of forestry and energy sourcing:

1. Crop reforestation – We primarily source renewable, fast-growing eucalyptus from dedicated plantations. For every tree harvested, new crops are planted -- maintaining a carbon balance and protecting biodiversity.
2. Cutting and chipping – Once mature, trees are harvested and either cut into logs or chipped, depending on transport and boiler specifications.
3. Transport – Wood chips or logs are then delivered to our facilities, using efficient coordination to minimize transportation emissions.
4. Facility consumption – Biomass is used as a primary fuel source for steam generation, replacing oil and reducing overall Scope 1 emissions.

 

This renewable supply chain creates a low-carbon, renewable energy system that supports local economies, while cutting emissions.

A renewable model for the future

Across all Darling Ingredients’ operations in Brazil, 98% of the energy we use is renewable — a bold testament to our commitment to sustainability. By switching to nature-based fuels like reforested eucalyptus biomass, we’re cutting Scope 1 emissions, while supporting our customers’ and the market’s growth.

By eliminating oil and other fossil fuel-based energy sources as a primary fuel in our operational energy mix in Brazil, we’re making meaningful progress toward global decarbonization and setting a powerful example for sustainable industrial practices worldwide.

In Brazil and across Darling Ingredients’ global operations, we’re leading by example — proving that environmental responsibility and industrial growth can coexist and thrive together.