FanMilk
PLC, a Danone Company, has today inaugurated three (3) green projects at its
North Industrial Area Plant in Accra in line with global efforts to accelerate
to net zero carbon emissions.
Built at a total cost of seven million Euros, the
projects, a Wastewater Treatment Plant, Biomass Boiler and Solar Power
Installation are a demonstration of Danone’s ‘One Planet One Health’ vision and
reinforces the company’s leadership in sustainability in Ghana and globally.
Speaking at the launch of the Green Projects,
Christian Stammkoetter, Danone’s Africa, Asia, and Middle East Presidentsaid:
“we are all witnessing the unprecedented effects of climate change all over the
globe. It has become critical for us all in the world to join hands and protect
planet earth and achieve sustainability through the right policies and
technological innovations, both in the private and public sector. At Danone, we
believe that we can have a collective impact by working together to ensure that
any economic rebound after the pandemic is both planet-friendly and socially
inclusive; and by encouraging everyone to contribute to sustainable performance
and impact. These green projects we unveil today are our contribution to
protecting the environment and the planet.”
Launching the Green Projects, The Minister of
Environment, Science, Technology, Innovation, Dr Kwaku Afriyie said: “FanMilk
Ghana has lived to its promise of providing improved lives for the people of
Ghana by not only producing nutritional products for Ghanaians but also,
directly and indirectly, employing thousands of Ghanaians and helping to
alleviate unemployment in this country. Government is pleased with your effort
in this regard, and we are hopeful that by the establishment of these new
sustainable environment projects, you will continue to do even more in the area
of environment and technology for the country at large.” He ended by commending
FanMilk and encouraging other organizations to follow FanMilk’s good example.
The investments are in line with Danone’s expansion drive and the company’s One Planet, One Health vision. The Wastewater treatment plant will ensure that only clean water from the factory is discharged into the environment. The quality of the final discharge will accelerate the regeneration and sustenance of the Odaw River to promote other forms of life for river bodies. Also, the solid waste generated from the plant can be used as manure thereby improving agricultural ecosystem in support of a broader objective of encouraging regenerative agriculture. The discharge effluents will also comply with Danone’s strict clean water standards.
The Solar Power Installation at both the Industrial area factory, offices and the various regional distribution centers, is in pursuance of the company’s global strategy of reducing dependency on conventional energy sources and increasing the use of renewable energies.
With the new biomass boiler, FanMilk will now switch from using diesel as its fuel source to a multi-fuel system that uses palm kernel shell or wooden chips to cater for the factory’s steaming requirement of 1,800kg/h. With this move, the company is making significant steps to saving the environment by turning waste material to an effective fuel for the biomass boiler.
The General Manager of FanMilk West Africa, Ziobeieton Yeo, spoke at the event saying, “For more than 60 years, our company has been led by our belief in this dual mission that economic progress and social progress go hand in hand. As a purpose-led organization, we champion a more emotionally balanced, healthier, socially progressive society, while protecting the environment. Today’s commissioning is a demonstration of our deep level of commitment to the cause of saving the earth while creating jobs through our unique business model. All of these Green Projects will go a long way to help our pursuit.”
This is not the first time that FanMilk Danone has made investments into the country. In June 2021, the company opened a new multipurpose head office at the Industrial Area in Accra. Earlier this year the company also invested in vehicles and logistics for its trade partners, while launching the 2022 edition of the flagship FanMilk school caravan, the educational programme that trains school children on good sanitation and healthy snacking.
Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana