Circular by nature: How we return 11 billion gallons of water to the environment

At Darling Ingredients, sustainability is not just a goal — it is inherent in everything we do. As a global leader in rendering, we upcycle animal by-products into essential ingredients for food, feed and fuel creating products the world needs while being good stewards of resources and providing long-term value through operational excellence.

 

One of the most compelling examples of our ability to do both is our position as a net water producer, meaning we return more water to the environment than we withdraw for our operations. In 2024 alone, we returned approximately 11 billion gallons of water to the environment.

 

Reclaiming resources, returning water

 

Our rendering process is a powerful demonstration of circularity in action — and one of its most significant benefits is water recovery. While we focus on producing valuable proteins and fats, it is important to note that animal by-products are composed of up to 60% water. Through our process, this water is carefully extracted, treated and responsibly returned to the environment. By recovering and repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste, we not only divert them from landfills, but also maximize resource efficiency and contribute to water sustainability on a meaningful scale.

 

This commitment to water recovery extends beyond rendering. Every year, in our global operations we return more water to the environment than we use, reinforcing our status as a net water producer — a distinction that sets us apart.

 

Responsible water management across our global operations

 

When we do use water in our business, we ensure that we use it responsibly. For example, in our collagen and gelatin operations, water plays a vital role in extracting key ingredients. Through a focus on reduction and reuse initiatives, we have made significant reductions in water use over the past several years.

 

As part of our commitment to reducing our water use, we implement a variety of water-saving technologies, tailored to the unique needs of our facilities, including:

• High-pressure, low-flow wash systems;
• Steam condensate recovery and reuse;
• Wash water reuse; and
• Site-specific conservation plans in risk areas

 

To identify and mitigate water risk across our global operations, we employ a combination of internal expertise with geospatial tools, such as the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas, enabling us to proactively address areas facing water stress and support long-term resource resilience.

 

Innovating with water

 

From engineering and operations to environmental compliance — our people are advancing real-world solutions that are making a measurable difference. Water treatment can sometimes produce methane, a greenhouse gas when released, but a valuable energy source when captured and used as renewable natural gas (RNG).

 

To harness this potential, we have partnered with GreenGasUSA to convert wastewater emissions into RNG at several of our U.S. rendering facilities, the first in Dublin, Georgia. This initiative helps reduce our emissions, creates a valuable product, and enhances water treatment, creating a stronger circular model.

 

Building a sustainable advantage

 

Our approach to water stewardship exemplifies our dedication to circularity, operational excellence and long-term value creation. It also reflects a culture rooted in innovation, integrity and meaningful impact.

 

Strong environmental performance is not just responsible; it is smart business. We are proud to lead with purpose and deliver results on both fronts.