Cosun is an international agrifood cooperative of around 8,000 Dutch growers. The company processes plant-based raw materials, such as sugar beet and potatoes, into food, nutritious ingredients and circular solutions. Cosun is one of the largest producers of biogas in the Netherlands. With these tailor-made agreements, Cosun is investing in the electrification of its production sites in Vierverlaten (Groningen) and Steenderen (Gelderland). In Venray (Limburg), in addition to electrification, Cosun will invest in the production of certified green gas. The State’s financial contribution amounts to a maximum of €73 million.
By 2030, this tailor-made agreement will reduce 167 kt (kilotonnes) of CO₂ emissions compared with the reference period 2018–2021. This reduction is equivalent to the natural gas consumption of around 70,000 households. In addition, the three sites together will achieve a significant reduction in nitrogen emissions (44 tonnes per year), and ammonia emissions in Groningen will fall by 42 tonnes per year. In doing so, the company reduces its impact on local residents, the living environment and nature.
Although Cosun is not among the twenty largest CO₂ emitters in the Netherlands, it is one of the companies with which the government wishes to make arrangements through the tailor-made approach, given the important contribution Cosun can make to the future‑proofing of industry and the agrifood sector in the Netherlands.
Caretaker Minister Sophie Hermans: “With these investments, Cosun is taking a major step towards future‑proofing its production sites. This financial support not only contributes to making industrial production in the Netherlands more sustainable; we are also laying a solid foundation for key agricultural value chains — and that is a clear win.”
Caretaker State Secretary Thierry Aartsen: “This tailor-made agreement is a great example of how a healthy economy and a healthy living environment can go hand in hand. Lower emissions of ammonia and nitrogen oxides mean less odour nuisance and better air quality for local residents. It is good that the government can support an ambitious company like Cosun to accelerate its sustainability efforts. It shows that the tailor-made approach delivers a win‑win‑win.”
Hans Meeuwis, CEO of Cosun: “At Cosun, we are building a future-proof and sustainable company. Three elements are crucial to this: a strong earnings model, a relevant plant-based portfolio and further sustainability improvements across our entire chain. Tailor-made approach, cooperation with the government and conditions for remaining competitive are essential to achieving our sustainability goals in a responsible manner.”
The agreement between the Dutch State and Cosun is part of the tailor‑made approach, through which central government supports companies in sustainability and in reducing their impact on the living environment.
Last year, a tailor‑made agreement was concluded with Nobian, the largest salt manufacturer in the Netherlands. This year, letters of intent were signed with the chemical company AnQore and steel manufacturer Tata Steel (TSN). Talks are currently underway within the tailor‑made approach with Alco Energy, Zeeland Refinery and OCI. In addition, together with the waste incineration plants (AVIs) AEB and AVR, the government is exploring whether a tailor‑made trajectory is feasible.
For further information, please contact:
Royal Cosun
Guido van Alphen, Director Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
E: corporate.communication@cosun.com