More than three years ago, SARIA announced a JointVenture with TotalEnergies and took an important step into the aviation sector. Today, this vision is close to becoming reality. The project at Grandpuits has made significant progress, and its relevance will increase in the coming months.

From Vision to Reality: What SAF Means

SAF, or Sustainable Aviation Fuel, is an important tool for reducing emissions in air transport. Compared to conventional jet fuel, SAF can lower CO₂ emissions by more than 80 percent, making it a major contribution to climate protection in one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. For SARIA, producing SAF is not only a technological step forward, but also a continuation of a long-standing commitment to sustainable innovation. Twenty-five years ago, the company began producing biodiesel. Today, as a family-owned business, SARIA once again proves its pioneering spirit by moving into sustainable aviation fuel production.

Project Status and Challenges at Grandpuits

The construction of the SAF plant at Grandpuits is already well advanced. The thermal oxidizer and the pre-treatment are fully completed and can now be put into the test phase. The central component of the facility, the HEFA unit, is currently under construction and has reached around 45 percent completion. In parallel, all required authorisations have been obtained, employees have been trained and further training is ongoing, and raw materials for the start-up phase have been secured.

Start-Up, Logistics and Strategic Importance

Once the plant starts operating, production will be ramped up step by step. Initial operation will begin at a lower capacity, followed by shutdown phases to evaluate performance, identify optimisation potential and ensure stable processes. Step by step, capacity will be increased, ensuring a safe and reliable transition into full operation.

Logistics will play a central role in this process, together with our sister company Rhenus. A control-tower system will be established, connecting multiple interfaces and service providers across Europe. Raw materials and finished products will be transported by ship, truck and rail, creating a complex but highly coordinated logistics network.

This project represents the largest investment in the history of the SARIA Group. Strategically, Grandpuits is of great importance for SARIA, strengthening the company’s market position while making a tangible contribution to more sustainable aviation. Together, SARIA is shaping the future of sustainable fuel solutions.

APC is investing in new CO monitoring systems to further enhance the health and safety of its spray drying operations.

Spray drying is an essential part of APC’s production process, but it carries inherent fire and explosion risks due to fine combustible dust, high temperatures, and enclosed vessels. By combining ATEX-compliant* dust explosion protection with CO monitoring, APC is taking a proactive step to significantly reduce these risks.

CO monitoring is an effective safety tool for spray dryers. It can detect early signs of smouldering before any temperature or pressure changes occur. The system continuously analyses air samples from the dryer and automatically shuts it down if CO levels rise. This early detection helps prevent fires, reduce unplanned downtime, and keeps the plant safe while strengthening ATEX compliance*.

This investment reflects APC’s ongoing commitment to preventing incidents before they occur, creating a safer working environment and protecting the long-term reliability of operations. It’s another example of how APC continue to invest in the wellbeing of its people, operations and the future of the business. 

CO monitoring systems will be installed on both red cell spray dryers and will be fully operational early this year.

* ATEX Compliance under European directives (Equipment 2014/34/EU & Workplace 99/92/EC) setting safety standards for equipment and workplaces in potentially explosive environments (like gas, vapor, or dust clouds) to prevent ignition and explosions, ensuring worker and equipment safety with specific zoning and certification for hazardous areas in industries like chemical, oil & gas, and mining.

Daka SecAnim participated in this year’s NutriFair – Denmark’s leading professional agricultural fair with a strong focus on livestock production – with a new stand concept and a strong customer‑focused presence.

Strong engagement from key decision‑makers

NutriFair is known for attracting farm owners and other core decision‑makers in Danish livestock production. This year’s fair confirmed the trend: The event saw high traffic, and Daka SecAnim experienced a constant flow of visitors at the stand. The new stand design, presented for the first time, created an open and dialogue‑driven environment where customers could discuss daily challenges and practical needs.

Focus on the safe and efficient collection point

The central theme of Daka’s presence was the “good and veterinarian‑safe pickup point” – an essential element in ensuring efficient workflows and minimizing the risk of disease transmission on farms. Visitors showed significant interest in how Daka supports farmers’ day‑to‑day handling of fallen stock through reliable service, correct guidance, and high veterinary standards.

Strong commercial response

Daka SecAnim offered special fair discounts on equipment, including containers and carcass covers, which received great attention also as part of the pre‑fair marketing campaign. The result was many incoming orders during the two fair days.

High media visibility

Ahead of NutriFair, Daka SecAnim received coverage in three major agricultural media outlets, supported by communication across Daka’s own channels. This contributed to high awareness and helped direct visitors to the stand.

Supporting Denmark’s veterinary preparedness

The fair also provided an opportunity to emphasize Daka SecAnim’s role in national veterinary safety. At the beginning of 2026, Daka was once again appointed as a central partner in Denmark’s veterinary emergency preparedness system to collaborate with the Danish state – a responsibility that was well received by visitors and naturally integrated into conversations at the stand.

Entrepreneurial success is not based solely on informed operational decisions, but above all on the people who take responsibility for these decisions today and sustainably implement them for the future. With this belief, Gerhard Deitert was appointed to the Management Board of SARVAL Fischermanns effective January 1, 2026.

A career shaped by responsibility and growth

Gerhard Deitert has been closely connected to the company for many years. He began his career at SARIA in 2004 as an assistant to Franz-Bernhard Thier. At the beginning of 2006, he took on the role of Head of Administration & Controlling at the former Knochen- und Fettunion (K.F.U.) GmbH. In January 2008, he was promoted to site manager in Marl. Over the years, his scope of responsibility continued to grow steadily. With his professional expertise and long-standing experience, he has made a significant contribution to the company’s development.

Christian Stehmann, Country Manager SARIA Germany, comments:
“I have known Gerhard since I started at SARIA almost 13 years ago. Without any doubt, he is the right person to further lead and develop SARVAL Fischermanns. The results of recent years have shown that SARVAL Fischermanns has a strong and committed team, and I am looking forward to the continued positive development of both the business and the people behind it.”

Karl-Heinz Fischermanns, Managing Director SARVAL Fischermanns, adds:
“Since the merger of SARVAL and Fischermanns, I have worked very closely with Gerhard, and we share a relationship built on genuine trust. I am impressed by his loyalty and high level of professional competence.”

Gerhard Deitert himself says:
“I am very pleased about my appointment as Managing Director of SARVAL Fischermanns. The company and its employees are very close to my heart, and I have been able to actively help shape the positive development of recent years.”

Key priorities for the coming months

Looking ahead, several key topics will be particularly important in the coming months. Improving the energy efficiency of the plants will play a central role, especially in light of rising energy prices. At the same time, attracting new employees across all areas – production, logistics and administration – remains a priority. In an increasingly consolidated market environment, maintaining and strengthening our position as a cost leader will also be a critical success factor.

Together with the entire team, SARVAL Fischermanns is well positioned to address these challenges and continue its successful path forward.

Picture shows Gerhard Deitert and Karl-Heinz Fischermanns.

At ReFood, sustainability is also about building awareness and strong relationships with the community. Recently, the polish team launched an innovative initiative in Mszczonów to ensure that the message of the circular economy is embraced at a local level, with a special focus on the youngest generation.

Education through play

During the Christmas Eve celebration organised by the municipality of Mszczonów, the Polish team introduced an interactive book for children. Featuring playful cartoon characters such as an apple core and a stray fry, the book explains the food waste journey at ReFood in an easy and engaging way. With puzzles and colouring pages, it appeals not only to children but also to their parents. This initiative also aims to familiarize the local community with our plans to build a new biogas plant, ensuring our neighbours feel informed and involved in our growth.

You can view the book here:

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/9f3bb0f123.html

Strengthening business and internal bonds

The project also creates clear value on  the business side. By supporting our retail clients with their mandatory food waste education efforts, we offer a value-added service that differentiates ReFood from the competition. By showcasing the full waste management chain, we create a clear advantage in service quality and branding. We also believe brand values should be felt internally. To boost employer branding, the cartoon characters will decorate company mugs. Several prototypes have already been created, and the employees will vote for their favorite designs.

Looking Ahead

The success in Mszczonów is just the beginning. The plan is to adapt these materials for other Polish plants and collection centres, tailoring them to local needs. By engaging with communities, supporting our clients’  and internal goals, we prove that “Power for a Better Future” is not just a slogan, it is a multifaceted commitment.

The experience of the spanish colleague Laura Bayad is a reminder that at SARIA, safety is not just a protocol, it is a vital commitment. Being prepared to act can make the difference between a frightening moment and a life saved, reinforcing on of our core value: Safety First.

When training becomes reality

Last year, several SARIA sites in Spain launched an ambitious first aid training program with a clear goal: to equip the teams with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations. This commitment continues in 2026, with new training sessions already scheduled across multiple locations, expanding this culture of prevention throughout the entire network.

A personal story with a powerful message

The importance of this training becomes truly meaningful when theory is put to the test. Laura Bayad, from SecAnim Muel, recently faced a critical situation at home when her young daughter suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest.

In a moment when fear could have taken over, Laura remained calm and applied the CPR techniques she had learned during SARIA’s first aid training sessions. Thanks to her immediate response, her daughter is now fully recovered.

As Laura explains: “If I hadn’t attended that course, our daughter wouldn’t be here.”

Our shared commitment to safety

At SARIA, safety is a shared responsibility. The company provides the resources and training, but the first line of safety is each colleague.

Safety isn’t someone else’s responsibility. It’s everybody’s responsibility.