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Sustainable development

Orffa, pioneering in sustainability

Our contribution to a sustainable livestock production

The global population is growing rapidly, just as the industrial activity across the globe increases. Developing economic activity encompases increasing global pollution, leading to international issues as global warming and climate change. These phenomena have a major impact on the quality of life and on the level of poverty in many countries.

Our contribution to a sustainable livestock production

FEFAC’s feed sustainability charter

The challenge for our industry is to secure the supply of high quality animal protein to a continuously growing global population, whilst minimizing the effect on natural resources, by optimizing land use and production efficacy and with an ever lower output in terms of pollution and ecological footprint. Historically, animal production industrialized in order to valorise by-products of human food production (oil → oilcakes, flour → milling by-products).
It is common knowledge that a professionalized and large scale animal protein production, based on scientifically documented fundaments, guarantees production efficiency, product quality, and animal welfare, hence minimizing the footprint of animal products and controlling the inherent pollution output.

Contribute to a climate neutral production through feed

Sustainable food systems through increased resource and nutrient efficiency

Responsible sourcing practices

Improve farm animal health and welfare

Enhance the socio economic environment and the sector’s resilience

Orffa’s commitment to a sustainable, environmental friendly agriculture

Enjoying excellent relations with a myriad of research stations and universities in Europe and abroad, and heavily investing in R&D in the search for innovative feed solutions, Orffa is well placed to play an important role in supplying feed additives and feed solutions to help the industry meet its challenging climate and sustainability objectives.

Orffa’s products and concepts can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gasses (GHG), to a significant decrease of the ecological footprint of the industry, to more efﬁcient animal production with less feed, and to a reduction of the nitrogen pollution by means of more balanced protein nutrition. Orffa also offers solutions to reduce the use of antibiotics in the feed and the drinking water, and develops products which secure the safety and welfare of the animals as well as the safety of workers in the factory.

Methane reduction

Orffa has a project running on the reduction of methane excretion by ruminants, amongst others by its natural botanical product Alliin Plus.

Decrease of the ecological footprint

Amino acids are one of Orffa’s main products. Our relations with leading research institutes have allowed us to be a pioneer in optimising animal diets in view of N-excretion reduction.

Increase the efficiency of animal production

A reduction of the feed conversion ratio is the best way to increase feeding efficiency. In Orffa’s portfolio several products have demonstrated that ability.

Reduction of the use of antibiotics

Since the 1980’s, Orffa has been promoting the use of probiotics to the livestock industry. Orffa is working with Calpis/Asahi to bring the unique probiotic Calsporin to the market.

Safety and welfare of animals

Footpad lesions and ammonia irritation are major concerns of broiler producers. Ammomin, a very pure clinoptilolite, acts as an efficient absorbent of water and ammonia in broiler production.

Worker safety

Dust is of major concern in the factories. A balanced animal feed contains all relevant nutrients, ranging from protein and energy sources to vitamins and minerals.

Environmental losses of micronutrients

Animals have a requirement for micronutrients (zinc, copper, manganese, selenium,…) in order to maintain metabolism, body processes and optimal production.

Organic production

One of the objectives of the European Green Deal is to increase the share of organic farming to about 25% within the EU.

Orffa’s commitment to a sustainable, environmental friendly agriculture

The effect of Excential Energy Plus (a nutritional emulsifier) on the environmental footprint of broiler production was measured on the basis of a series of scientific trials (University of Lavras, Brazil) in a collaboration with Blonk Consultants, a leading firm in the application of LCA systematics related to agriculture, that collaborates on governmental level as advising body. LCA is a technique to evaluate the environmental impact associated with the life of a product or service from cradle to grave. Product Environmental Footprint Guidelines (PEF) of the European Union were applied as methodology for the calculations.

The performance effect of Excential Energy Plus in these trials were representative for the whole collection of scientific trials performed with the product, as well as for the effects observed under practical conditions.

The objective of the study was to assess the footprint of broilers fed with and without Excential Energy Plus, in view of several environment impact categories: climate change, eutrophication, acidification and land use (change).

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Orffa’s commitment to the United Nation’s Sustainability strategy

(in terms of Global Development Goals)

Orffa offers products and solutions contributing to agricultural productivity, to feeding increasing world population, to provide quality animal proteins in a balanced diet for all.

Orffa offers solutions to reduce nitrogen emission and Global Warming Potentials, in line with the Paris agreement and the EU Green Deal. Orffa has selected a logistic partner that shares Orffa’s view on responsible warehousing and transportation.

Orffa provides a good and safe work place and has a code of conduct in place to respect labor rights and prevent involvement in slavery, bribery and other forms of ethical misconduct. Orffa aims to achieve economic development through innovation.

Aquaculture provides the global population with healthy food whilst not overfishing our waters. Orffa provides and explores solutions that assist in replacement of finite sources of fishmeal and oil. Higher mineral retention prevents flushing (eutrophication) and minimizes impact on water quality.

Orffa’s concepts have a big impact on food supply, by supporting sustainability and contributing to efficient animal protein production systems.

Land use for agriculture requires respect for ecosystems, preventing deforestation and ensuring biodiversity. Orffa assumes responsibility and commits to work with good practices towards sourcing, production, supply and delivery of products to customers.