FanMilk PLC, a Danone Company, has today inaugurated three 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 €7m, the projects, a Wastewater Treatment Plant, Biomass Boiler and Solar Power Installation are a demonstration of Danone’s ‘One Planet One Health’ vision and reinforce 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 President said: “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, Environment Minister, Dr Kwaku Afriyie said, “FanMilk Ghana has lived up 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 the 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 the Industrial area factory, offices and the various regional distribution centres, 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 shells 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 save the environment by turning waste material into 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 organisation, 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 in the country. In June 2021, the company opened a new multipurpose head office in 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.