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Steam is required for the production of gelatin and collagen peptides. At GELITA’s Brazilian plant in Mococa, this is now generated by renewable biomass. The new biomass boiler has replaced a boiler operated with fossil fuels. By switching to biomass as a low-carbon alternative and improving efficiency, the site conserves resources.

Efficient use of water, fewer chemicals

Water vapor is one of the most efficient and flexible energy sources for process heat. With a steam output of around 12 tons per hour and a pressure of 12 bar, the biomass plant reliably supplies the Mococa facility with cleanly generated process steam. This is used at various points in the production process. By making simple adjustments to the plant, the team has also succeeded in increasing water efficiency in steam generation and reducing the consumption of chemicals – including for water treatment in the boiler.

Oil consumption

After a one-year construction period, the biomass-fired plant came on stream in February 2022, fuelled by chips made from local eucalyptus wood. Using this biogenic raw material has reduced oil consumption by more than 90%.

Waste management

Avoiding waste wherever feasible or recycling it as far as possible is all part of a sustainable business strategy. By developing new production methods and optimizing existing processes, for example, GELITA is helping to reduce waste successively and thus lower its environmental impact. Between 2017 and 2021, GELITA halved its waste per ton of production volume, from 17.1kg to 11.3kg.

For more information about how GELITA is creating a more sustainable future, read our Sustainability Report 2021