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SustainabilityUse of Solar Energy
Decreasing our local footprint is an issue we are continuously working on in the different countries we operate. In 2018, for example, we invested in a 516 kW rooftop-based solar energy system in Myanmar. This solar energy project is part of De Heus’ global CSR strategy of looking for renewable ways of generating energy for industrial production and decreasing the environmental impact. Myanmar being a country with high solar radiation intensity, makes it even more effective for decreasing the environmental impact. This has resulted in the realization of the largest solar rooftop in the country. The investment was done as part of the greenfield Mandalay feed mill construction project. In total 663 MWh of renewable energy per year is produced which is equivalent to saving of 1.5 MT of CO2 emission per year. On top of that, the steam consumption of this factory is generated by renewable fuel sources as well, making it the most sustainable feed mill of Myanmar, and hopefully an encouragement for other investors to invest in renewable ways of energy generation as well.
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SustainabilityIn Indonesia, bacteria help shrimp farmers to improve their biosecurity
Over a decade ago, bacteria-related diseases started to emerge in Indonesia, causing a significant loss of production to the shrimp industry. Teguh Winarno and Kadi Mey Ismail are on a mission to help local shrimp farmers optimise their biosecurity and boost their business.
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SustainabilityDe Heus’ commitment to sustainable aquaculture: Insights from VIETFISH 2024
At VIETFISH 2024, De Heus was proud to reflect on its progress in the aquaculture sector and outline the steps it continues to take towards building a sustainable future. Representing De Heus Asia and Vietnam, Sustainability Manager Thuy Nguyen (Emily) highlighted the company’s commitment to responsible aquaculture practices, emphasizing the importance of long-term collaboration with farmers, industry stakeholders, and local communities.
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SustainabilityAn inspiring restoration project with local farmers: Realising the Araguai biodiversity corridor in Brazil
Acquiring raw materials from sustainable sources means protecting natural ecosystems and biodiversity. To support global conservation, De Heus is a long-term partner of the Black Jaguar Foundation. Founded by Ben Valks in 2009, this non-profit organisation works committed to restoration along the banks of the Araguaia River, which connects the Amazon rainforest and the Cerrado savanna in Brazil, two of the world’s most important ecosystems.
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Our social responsibility
Learn more about our sustainability initiatives and how our social responsibility is brought into practise
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SustainabilityDe Heus invests in GHG impact and business continuity with own solar park in South Africa
As part of the commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible animal feed at De Heus, the company is working to reduce its carbon footprint worldwide. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated in production and logistics are contributors to the carbon footprint, which is why De Heus has an ongoing programme of sustainability initiatives to tackle these emissions. Underlining the company’s dedication to advancing ecofriendly solutions within the animal nutrition industry at a regional level, it has recently developed a field of solar panels at one of its production facilities in South Africa. This decision was primarily driven by the GHG impact, but it also improves the operational resilience and business continuity.
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SustainabilityLooking at the road ahead: De Heus' commitment to sustainable transport in The Netherlands
Every day, a fleet of 100 trucks hits the road to deliver animal feed from the Netherlands to customers across The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the northern part of France. Traveling up to 100,000 kilometres annually, these heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for significant CO2 emissions which add to the footprint of our feed. Three logistics professionals from De Heus share their experiences with a more sustainable approach to truck transport.
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SustainabilityEffectively reducing consumption
We always remain critical regarding our production and logistics processes. Whenever we spot an opportunity to consistently reduce our energy consumption, we will seize it. This is demonstrated by the following concrete examples (the Netherlands):
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SustainabilityFarmers: the guardians of biodiversity
For centuries, extensive cattle farming has helped shape the unique landscape of Spain’s western region. Rural areas in Western Spain are increasingly being deserted by young people due to lack of opportunities. Facing a lack of succession, many aging farmers eventually go out of business. And with grazing cattle disappearing, the delicate balance of the grassland ecosystem is under serious threat. A group of passionate researchers, agricultural experts and local farmers are on a mission to revitalise the extensive farmer’s profession. Leading the efforts of De Heus in this initiative is Jesús Carrizo, Technical Director at De Heus Spain.
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SustainabilityDeveloping a self-sufficient food chain and fostering rural communities in Ghana through layer farming
As an entrepreneurial company, De Heus strongly believes that independent entrepreneurship of farmers is the engine of local economies. We believe in maintaining the vitality of rural communities. To help achieve this, local business units collaborate with supply chain partners to support rural farmers so they can strengthen and improve their business operations. This in turn benefits local communities and helps countries become more self-sufficient in terms of food supply, particularly in developing nations. In Ghana, the vast majority of laying hens are imported, resulting in high egg prices. De Heus has formed a pioneering joint venture with Kuipers Breeders to produce layer chicks locally. This will not only support the country in developing its own independent food supply, it will also help provide the local population with an affordable and nutritious source of protein. We talk to Jurjën Kuipers of Kuipers Breeders and Theo Smalbraak, Business Group Director Africa & Middle East, De Heus, about how the partnership developed, what they plan to achieve and their long-term ambitions.
Sustainability
Our sustainability journey
Responsible Feeding
CSR documents and magazines
A story of hope and action
