The new fermentation plant increases production capacity by up to 50% while simultaneously reducing specific energy consumption. The facility also offers advantages in terms of reducing water consumption with more efficient cooling towers and lower levels of freshwater use. In addition, the new automated system will enable reductions in packaging waste by replacing the traditional 25 kg bags with ones that carry up to 1,000 kg.

"Our goal is to achieve the highest microbiological standards and at the same time continuously reduce our environmental impact," says Rüdiger Briel, engineer and project manager at Ohly. 

What’s more, the new heat recovery system will allow Ohly to conserve and reuse thermal energy that would previously have been wasted. The energy recovered is equivalent to the energy needed to heat 800 homes.

In addition to bringing energy efficiencies, the new plant will adopt the latest hygiene standards which guarantee sustainable cleaning. It also meets the highest level of occupational safety, thanks to automated systems that facilitate ergonomic operation. With a digital and automated control system, all production processes are controlled and measured bringing Ohly another step closer to Industry 4.0. 

"Our focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees while maintaining the highest levels of product quality – digitization is key," Briel says.