Energy management

Fossil fuels are finite, and climate change is a growing social problem. In the context of the energy transition, it is therefore important that we use fewer and fewer fossil fuels.

The use of electricity and gas at all Van Loon Group sites. 

Our energy management policy aims to reduce electricity and gas intensity by 5% by 2030 compared to 2022, and to use 100% renewable Dutch electricity by the same year. We are investing in efficient technologies, optimising our processes and focusing on sustainable energy sources. We monitor progress on these initiatives every quarter.

COO

Over the past year, we have taken further concrete steps towards operating more energy-efficiently. At our sites, both gas and electricity consumption per tonne of product sold has fallen.
 
At the Denekamp site, compressed air losses have been reduced by detecting and repairing all leaks. The compressed air system and the central vacuum system have been replaced with new, energy-efficient models. The vacuum pressure has been reduced, steam pipes have been given extra insulation and the steam boiler has been chemically cleaned to improve efficiency. An energy monitoring system has been installed. Using data from this system, installations such as air handling units, lighting and vacuum systems – which previously ran continuously – are now controlled via timers. All these measures have led to an absolute reduction of 11% in gas and 12% in electricity consumption whilst maintaining the same production volume.
 
An investigation into compressed air leaks has also been carried out at the Son site. Repairs for this will be carried out in early 2026.
 
At the Eersel site, the heat exchanger of the flue gas thermal oil boiler has been replaced. The system has been fitted with an intermediate tank and the control system has been adjusted to achieve even higher efficiency. The water used daily for cleaning the factory is now fully heated using residual heat from the oil boiler. All compressed air leaks have also been detected and rectified.
 
At our site in Beilen, a tray sealer with pneumatic cylinders has been replaced with a tray sealer featuring energy-efficient servo motors.

Various initiatives are planned for the coming year.
 
At our Nuth site, the large hot water tank is currently heated to over 70°C every week as part of our legionella prevention measures. By making adjustments to the pipework and the control system of the refrigeration plant, we aim to achieve this using residual heat from the refrigeration plant. This will make the production area of the site gas-free.
 
At the Denekamp site, Sensorfact’s energy monitoring system is being further rolled out to the main and sub-distribution boards, enabling us to manage electricity consumption even more effectively. In addition, a project is being launched to investigate whether and to what extent heat recovery from the hot autoclave water is feasible and cost-effective.
 
At the Eersel site, in 2026 the residual heat from the ammonia cooling system will be used to heat the water for the hand-washing basins and hygiene locks. This measure will eliminate the need for gas-fired central heating boilers. In addition, a new compressed air system and a new hot-air oven will be installed. Both systems are significantly more energy-efficient than the current ones. Finally, throughout the factory, the swing doors will be replaced by high-speed doors, which will reduce energy loss.
 
At our Oude Tonge site, work will begin in 2026 to improve the air management system. By eliminating negative pressure, less moisture and heat will be drawn in from outside, thereby reducing the need for cooling.