ADM reaches carbon neutral status for milling operations in “industry-first”

01 Sep 2021 --- ADM has achieved net carbon neutral status at its US mills through a combination of energy efficiencies, purchase of renewable energy certificates and sequestration of carbon dioxide at the company’s commercial carbon capture and storage facility. 

This milestone is an industry first of its kind and scale, according to ADM.

The company has 22 mills around the US that process wheat, sorghum and corn into flour. 

“Consumers increasingly expect their food to come from companies that share their values,” says Tedd Kruse, president, Milling & Baking Solutions. 

“ADM is a capable partner in delivering responsibly and sustainably sourced ingredients that meet heightened consumer expectations. We know that our downstream customers are interested in reducing the carbon footprint of their supply chains.” 

Data shows that consumers are more aware of carbon and take steps to reduce their environmental impact, driving demand for sustainable goods and carbon labeling. 

ADM has 22 mills around the US that process wheat, sorghum and corn into flour.In light of transparency dominating consumer demand in 2021, increasing transparency to meet evolving ethical, environmental and clean label consumer demands is vital. This is in line with Innova Market Insights Top Ten Trend for 2021, “Transparency Triumphs.”

Clean label and clean energy
Meanwhile, the consumer lifestyle trend toward cleaner living is broadening and heightening expectations around what it now constitutes. Aspects include human and animal welfare, supply chain transparency, plant-powered nutrition and sustainable sourcing.

“Transitioning to cleaner energy is a major focus for ADM as we work toward our 2035 environmental goals and support the transition to a lower-carbon economy,” says Chris Cuddy, ADM senior vice president and president of Carbohydrate Solutions. 

“By lowering the emissions of our operations, we are helping our customers advance their sustainability commitments as well.” 

ADM has been working to reduce the environmental footprint of its operations. This has included energy efficiency projects, technology updates and replacing older facilities with state-of-the-art technology at its US flour mills.

Further, ADM has lowered the carbon footprint of its US flour milling network by purchasing renewable energy certificates. These represent electricity generation from renewable sources, such as solar, wind or hydro.

Also, ADM is using carbon capture and storage technology to compensate for emissions generated at the company’s US flour mills.

Located in Decatur, Illinois, ADM’s facility permanently secludes carbon dioxide a mile underground, preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere.

Through increased energy efficiency and reductions in energy use, ADM achieved its 2020 environmental goals ahead of schedule. 

Further efficiencies and reductions will contribute to ADM’s Strive 35 targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent and energy intensity by 15 percent by 2035, against a 2019 baseline. 

Edited by Elizabeth Green

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