Agropur US Operations actively connects energy management and sustainability in their efforts to produce high quality cheese and food ingredients. Its employees are engaged in reducing energy, water and greenhouse gas emissions by 25% over a ten-year period. Its sustainability efforts are not only internally focused but the company also partners with several national initiatives to reduce the dairy industry’s footprint nationwide.

When it comes to the environment, Agropur’s business culture reflects its belief that actions speak louder than words. Over the years, the company developed the necessary resources and structures to ensure sound environmental management for all operations.

Ongoing internal communications educate employees about environmental issues such as environmental management initiatives at plants, reducing paper consumption and computer equipment management. An annual assessment of all workplaces is also conducted.

Agropur has a range of programs designed to reduce our environmental footprint. The company constantly measures progress and identifies new opportunities through annual water, energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) reports.

Agropur already has internal processes to treat and reuse the vast majority of its organic waste. Much of it is used to produce powders such as whey protein and milk protein concentrates.

When the company cannot repurpose residual materials in-house, it outsources liquid organic waste to be treated and reused for projects such as biogas production. Solid food waste, like cheese by-products, are sent to processors and used to make animal feed.

Agropur received a 2019 Better Project Award for upgrading two-plate and frame water/ammonia heat exchangers (PHEs) and saving more than $157,000 in annual energy costs - Project Presentation.

NAICS 311, Food Manufacturing

Date of Pledge: April 2010