Subsidy for sustainable biorefinery from sugar beet pulp
The Province of Groningen has granted the Cosun Beet Company a subsidy of three million euros for the construction of a sustainable biorefinery in Delfzijl. In this innovative factory, we will be converting sugar beet pulp from our sugar factories into new plant-based products. These products can be used as environmentally friendly replacements for microplastics in paint, detergents, toothpaste, shampoo, makeup and more. The factory will produce on 100% green energy and will create more than 40 jobs. The subsidy is being awarded based on the Investing in Future-proof Industry scheme. The final investment decision by the Cosun Beet Company will be made later this year.
Bio-based solutions from sugar beets
The Cosun Beet Company has over a hundred years of experience in the cultivation of sugar beets and related sugar production. The biorefinery adds an innovative link to the sugar beet chain in that it will produce green, bio-based alternatives for raw materials. The Cosun Beet Company works closely with various knowledge institutions specialising in bio-based innovations.
Focus on innovation
Paul Mesters, CEO of the Cosun Beet Company, comments, “Over the past ten years, our company has focused strongly on innovation, including the bio-refining of sugar beet pulp. This future factory is the crowning glory of all the innovative work we have carried out. It represents an important step towards the greenification of society and a sustainable future.”
Future-proof economy
Provincial representative IJzebrand Rijzebol is also very positive about this project. “It shows the direction in which our economy is headed: the production of high-quality and sustainable raw materials from waste flows. This makes it possible to replace the pollutants in products we use on a daily basis. Not only does this create new jobs, but also ensures a better earnings model in the agro industry and sustainable products for consumers. As a result, Groningen is contributing to a circular and clean economy.”