As part of its carbon neutral objectives, Riopele is investing around four million euros in the construction of a biomass plant. It will have a steam production capacity of 16 tons/hour and should start operating in the first quarter of 2023.
As the plant’s production capacity represents around 90% of the steam consumed by the company, the Pousada de Saramagos textile company hopes with this investment to reduce the consumption of natural gas by approximately 65%.
This is one of the projects foreseen in the Sustainability Plan designed so that, by its 100th anniversary, in 2027, all sectors of the company’s activity reach carbon neutrality. Alongside the biomass plant, the carbon neutrality plan is also based on the transition to renewable energy sources, as well as the development of new products and processes to reduce emissions.
“We are committed to making a positive impact and hope that our efforts will help lead the way, encouraging other companies to join us on the path to creating a more sustainable future,” said company president José Alexandre Oliveira, in the note where he explains the objectives.
Riopele’s plan also points to 100% of the electricity used coming from renewable sources, a car fleet free of fossil fuels, an increase to 60% of the percentage of recovery and treatment of water from the production process, and the use of 100% of textile waste via recycling.
