We are drivers of sustainability. In our biorefineries, we process raw materials and residual materials from regional agriculture into climate-friendly fuels and high-value biocomponents for the feed, foodstuff, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries on the basis of innovative technologies developed in-house. With our innovative technologies, we close ecological cycles in which practically no waste is produced. By using previously unused residual materials, such as straw, we open up additional raw material potential for the production of sustainable renewable products: The feed and fertilizers produced in our plants are fed back into agriculture. This is innovative and sustainable for both the climate and the environment.
Verbio is committed to a sustainable future. Our energy consumption is significantly influenced by the volume of biofuels and the capacity utilization of our modern production facilities. We have set ourselves the ambitious goal of continuously reducing specific energy consumption in all areas. Our dedicated energy teams work in every area of the Group to analyze energy consumption in detail, and develop tailored action plans to use the available energy sources even more efficiently. Together, we are shaping an environmentally friendly and resource-conserving future. In Germany, we are ISO 50001 certified and DIN EN 16247 audited.
We report in our non-financial group statement - part of the annual report - on direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) CO₂ emissions following the standards of the GHG Protocol. In addition, Verbio is continuing the process already initiated of defining factors for GHG emissions that occur beyond its own site boundaries along the value chain (Scope 3) and examining their materiality. The emissions of raw material suppliers are for the most part already defined today due to the legal framework (RED II; Biokraft-NachV) and are included in Verbio’s CO₂ handprint. Accordingly, it is an indicator of the sustainability impact of Verbio’s products. It quantifies the reduction in CO₂ emissions resulting from the use of Verbio’s biofuels instead of fossil fuels in the activities of other market participants. Verbio’s biofuels achieve CO₂-savings of more than 70 percent (in the case of BioCNG and BioLNG from Verbio, up to 100 percent CO₂) compared to gasoline or diesel. They are therefore an important lever for CO₂ reduction. For the first time, Scope 3 emissions were calculated for the relevant material categories in the fiscal year and will, for the first time, be disclosed in this publication on our company website. An audit and integration into the non-financial group statement is planned for the next fiscal year.
Our ambitious goal is to be CO₂-neutral in these areas by 2035. The gradual conversion of our vehicle fleet at VERBIO Logistik GmbH to CNG and LNG drives is making an important contribution to this since this truck fleet is now predominantly fueled with biomethane (BioCNG and BioLNG), thus contributing to the transition to CO₂-neutral freight transport.
Verbio is committed to low and therefore responsible water consumption, both in its production processes and in all other areas of the Group. Drinking and process water is supplied via public networks, wells, and private water supplies. The waste water from our production facilities is not discharged directly into bodies of water, but transferred to suitable waste water treatment plants where it is treated in accordance with statutory regulations.
In principle, Verbio strives for a “zero waste policy.” With the Verbio closed-loop model, which is based on technologies developed in-house, we recycle the majority of our non-hazardous waste. This “waste” consists mainly of stillage, a residue from bioethanol production, and feedstock for biomethane production, as well as mucilage and fatty acids for biodiesel production.
Our products are certified according to international standards such as REDcert in Germany and ISCC in Nevada (USA) and India (for biomethane based on straw), which are among the highest standards for sustainable procurement. For example, in accordance with the German Biofuel Sustainability Ordinance, our biomass does not come from areas of high biodiversity value such as species-rich grassland or areas used for nature conservation.
You can find out more about the environment, the EU taxonomy, and our key figures in our annual report.
