Hessing and Groendus realize most sustainable factory in EU

Hessing Supervers and Groendus have jointly achieved a milestone with Europe's most sustainable fresh produce factory. The new factory has 11,988 solar panels and is located in a grid-congested area, where returning electricity to the grid is prohibited. However, Hessing Supervers' 100 production lines all operate on self-generated green energy.

The solar power plant has an installed capacity of 5,300 kWp on an area of 50,000 m², enough to provide power to 2,000 households. This is unique because of the area's limitations.

Groendus, which specializes in renewable energy, took on the challenge of realizing this project. Hessing uses two ice water silos to utilize most of the energy generated for cooling of fruits and vegetables and as a buffer for excess solar energy.

Sustainability standards

Michel van Rijswijck, executive director of Hessing Supervers, is pleased with the sustainable factory of the future. Thanks to Groendus, the plant meets the highest sustainability standards and has received the BREEAM 'Very Good' certificate, making it the most sustainable fresh produce factory in Europe.

Despite unexpected price increases, both companies stuck to their goal and pragmatic approach, with impressive results. The first production in the new plant has started, and more machines will be moved to Greenport Venlo. The move is expected to be completed in 2024, after which Hessing will use all their self-generated electricity to process fresh fruits and vegetables.

Groendus.nl