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Why modern meat processing companies make the difference today
When energy becomes a cost driver
What meat processors underestimate the most today
The operation runs, processes are in place, yet every day cash flows out the window due to outdated systems. In many businesses, it’s not raw materials or wages that offer the greatest long-term savings potential, but energy: cooling, heating, water, electricity. Those who don’t focus on efficiency pay twice—once on the bill, and once in competitiveness.
Modernizing today isn’t just about legal requirements or climate targets. Companies understand that sustainable technology doesn’t mean compromise—it means an advantage.
The first step: Look instead of hope
Why a closer look can change everything
Many companies shy away from truly examining their energy footprint. “Too complicated,” “too expensive,” “too abstract” are common excuses. Yet this is exactly where the opportunity lies. A quick check or audit by an experienced expert reveals where energy is wasted, which systems are oversized or outdated, and where small actions can have a big impact.
“Adaptability is key to mastering the future.”
Martin Deiters, Expert at EPSA Germany for Sustainable Modernization
The key takeaway: Instead of just replacing individual devices, develop a holistic concept focused on sustainability, energy efficiency, and future readiness.
Making invisible energy sources visible
How heat recovery saves real money
Every meat processing plant operates cooling systems around the clock—and produces heat as a byproduct. A lot of heat. Waste heat. Traditional systems let it escape unused into the environment, while modern systems utilize it intelligently: recovered heat is fed into a water cycle and redirected where it’s needed—whether for defrosting, heating, hot water preparation, or even cleaning and production processes.
The principle is simple: circulation instead of waste. This cuts heating costs and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions—without compromising production quality.
Real-time instead of guesswork
Energy management systems as a key to efficiency
Another milestone is the implementation of digital energy monitoring. It tracks all relevant energy flows in real-time—from processing to cooling to other processes. The result: consumption peaks are detected, inefficient devices identified, and optimization measures implemented precisely and effectively.
The benefit is control. Example: if a machine runs unnecessarily at night, the system alerts you immediately. Instead of burning money for months, you can act fast. Energy becomes a managed resource—not an unpredictable cost driver.
Cooling with CO₂ – a natural advantage
Why the right refrigerant matters
A central element of modernization is installing an efficient, state-of-the-art refrigeration system. Instead of harmful refrigerants, CO₂ is used—a natural medium with an extremely low global warming potential (GWP = 1). This means the system is both environmentally friendly and future-proof since many conventional refrigerants will be legally banned by 2030.
Best of all: CO₂ systems provide year-round cooling for storage and heat for processes, drastically cutting total energy demand.
What this actually delivers
Numbers that convince and motivate
A real-world example from a mid-sized business shows impressive results:
- Around 324 tons of CO₂ saved annually—equal to driving over 1.5 million kilometers in a mid-sized car.
- Stable energy costs thanks to high efficiency, even with volatile market prices.
- Improved product quality through consistent, precisely controlled processes.
- A credible contribution to climate protection—valued by customers.
“Modernizing butcheries is an investment in technology, but also in the future of the trade. I always say: those who start today will have a clear advantage tomorrow.”
Martin Deiters, Expert at EPSA Germany for Energy and Funding
Financial support as a booster
Because good ideas shouldn’t fail due to cost
The good news: you don’t have to shoulder these projects alone. Federal and state governments provide targeted support for energy efficiency investments through grants, loans, and advisory programs. Often, more than 30% of costs can be subsidized—sometimes up to 60%. The key is to start early, as many programs have deadlines and limited budgets.
Inspiration for the entire industry
Small businesses can think big too
This project and its systematic approach show that efficiency measures aren’t just for large corporations—small and medium-sized meat processors can benefit as well. Many measures are scalable. Success depends not on company size, but on the willingness to innovate.
And that willingness defines tomorrow’s leaders.
Time to take action
What the Quick-Check delivers and why it’s the best starting point
Before diving into implementation, start with a Quick-Check. It identifies where energy savings are possible, which systems are the biggest consumers, and the individual CO₂ reduction potential.
Let’s talk about the Quick-Check today!
Source: www.de.epsa.com