Reducing the effects of climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. In the summer of 2003 alone, ten percent of the Alps' glaciers disappeared. In the same year, the heat took 33,000 human lives. This type of heatwave will become increasingly common in a warmer future. It is Lantmännen's aim to be a pioneer in transforming our use of energy and a protagonist in the development of the fuel and power of the future.

Sustainable use of energy

As an agricultural company, and with operations in every part of the chain, Lantmännen is very well placed to help transform energy use. The combination of arable land and our owners' expertise in cultivation enables us not only to produce food but also to refine raw materials for use as energy - for biofuels or biomass, for example, Biofuels are currently produced as ethanol and RME (rape methyl ester), while biomass takes the form of pellets and briquettes for heating. As a result of close participation in research, it has been possible to continue to work on developing new alternative fuels. 

The same applies to transport. In this area, we consider how we can reduce climate effects by using alternative sources of energy, introducing planning & coordination and training our drivers.

Here are some examples of what we do:

Production of Biofuels and Biomass

Lantmännen Agroetanol is Sweden's largest producer and supplier of ethanol fuel. At the plant in Norrköping, ethanol is produced using grains as a raw material.

Sweden is one the world's most developed markets for wood pellets, and solid biofuels. Sales of pellets, briquettes and Salix (willow) go through Lantmännen Agroenergi, which also conducts processing operations. Products are sold under the brand Agrol.

Increased proportion of renewable sources of energy in production

At Lantmännen Mills some of the business area's facilities are now using leftover oat husks as a source of energy. In fact, the oat husks have given more energy than is needed, and housing is now also being heated via the district heating plant. The surplus of renewable energy has led to cooperation with the Norwegian town of Moss and the energy company Bio Värme.

Planning & coordination of transport

Lantmännen is responsible for one percent of Swedish diesel consumption. However, transport can be streamlined by means of improved coordination, planning and control. Unnecessary journeys can be avoided and "eleventh-hour" deliveries reduced. Lantmännen is working to reduce fuel consumption by imposing tougher requirements for new vehicles and introducing eco-driving, which involves drivers undergoing a course in environmentally-friendly driving. To further reduce our environmental impact, work is now underway to examine the possibility of switching a large part of our road traffic to rail. 
Read more: www.greenline.se

Development of new, environmentally sound fuels

Lantmännen Aspen is a leading distributor of alkylate petrol, commonly known as environmental fuel. The main product is environmental petrol, which is used for lawn mowers, chain saws, scooters, boat engines etc.  Environmental petrol is free of the harmful substances benzene and aromatic hydrocarbons found in normal petrol. Odours and exhaust fumes from engines are being reduced, while more efficient combustion means engines have longer lives. Alkylate petrol is the cleanest, and most environmentally sound petroleum product around.