Environment

Aviagen: genetics company focuses on reducing emissions with innovation and technology

Strengthening efficiency and environmental responsibility in global poultry production is a commitment widely disseminated throughout the corridors of Aviagen, the largest global genetics company and one of the main players in the poultry meat sector in Brazil.

Proof of this are the more than R$7 million invested by the company in solar plants at units in Uberaba (MG), Itirapina (SP) and Sarutaiá (SP), and R$1.1 million in effluent treatment systems. And this is just a sample of solid work, built over the years.

Since October 2018, Aviagen has invested in the free electricity market with energy from renewable sources to supply its Itirapina and Redenção da Serra units, in São Paulo. Currently, the hatchery in Rio Claro (SP) and the units in Uberaba (MG), Santa Cruz das Palmeiras (SP) and Natividade da Serra (SP) are also supplied by energy contracted from the free market.

In 2023, around 40% of the energy used by Aviagen in Brazil came from the free market which, associated with the purchase of the captive market, whose electrical matrix is ​​also predominantly renewable (87.9% in 2022), made the company operate with around 93% of electricity from renewable sources.

According to Aviagen’s Environmental Coordinator, Gustavo Vilela, the company plans that, by the end of 2024, 76% of all electricity consumed in its units will come from the free market, resulting in around 95% of the total energy used. in its Brazilian operations coming from renewable sources.

Aviagen’s focus on sustainability is not restricted to energy matrices – it also extends to the water used for processes and biosecurity in hatcheries.

Aviagen’s five hatcheries – essential for ensuring the supply of grandparents and breeders – follow strict biosecurity processes. These are frequent cleaning and disinfection steps, which generate wastewater from the operation, also known as “effluents”. Two of these hatcheries are served by municipal effluent collection networks. In the other three, Aviagen is enhancing existing effluent treatment systems, with contributions that already exceed R$1.1 million. The new systems will achieve a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) removal efficiency of over 80%, ensuring water is significantly cleaner before being returned to the environment.

“Our goal is to ensure that all of our operations are sustainable. We are focused on being an example in the poultry industry through effective environmental strategies and sustainable practices. Through these actions, we demonstrate our commitment to protecting natural resources, reducing emissions carbon emissions and guarantee animal welfare and food safety”, highlights the president of Aviagen in Latin America, Ivan Lauandos.