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Dear colleagues,

Enjoy reading the SARIA Global Newsletter no. 5/2025.

Behind the red buttons are websites with automatic translations.

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SARIA Food & Pharma combines the activities of Van Hessen, Devro and Bioiberica in the field of natural casings, collagen-based edible films and coatings, as well as pharmaceutical active ingredients. The latest topics are:

  • Bringing Culture Principles to life at SARIA Food & Pharma
  • Van Hessen China achieves first Halal Certification
  • Devro achieves SBTi validation
  • Family Day at Bioiberica
  • Bioiberica relaunched brand identity: unveiling a new website
More
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SARIA Ingredients & Energy contains the activities of ReFood, SecAnim, Biofuels (ecoMotion & TESSAF), SARVAL Dry, SARVAL Wet and Bioceval in the field of collection and processing organic and animal by-products into new sources of energy, animal feed and other valuable materials.

  • SARIA France promotes health at work
  • SecAnim Spain's biosecurity drive
  • SARVAL Doncaster hits milestone
  • 8 years without injuries at Daka ecoMotion
  • ecoMotions annual Round Table Meeting
  • ReFood Germany opens new site
More
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No. 05/2025

Bringing Culture Principles to life at SARIA Food & Pharma

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Culture shapes how a company operates, collaborates, and grows. SARIA Food & Pharma has introduced a set of cultural principles designed to guide how they work, lead, and make decisions. Developed with input from across the division, these principles reflect what matters most while aligning with the values of the Rethmann family and the broader SARIA Group.

Why culture principles matter

SARIA Food & Pharma’s cultural principles provide a clear framework for decision-making, collaboration, and innovation. By establishing shared principles, they unite their diverse Business Units under common ways of working while respecting their unique identities.

WE ACT LIKE OWNERS
We think and behave like intrapreneurs.
  • We take ownership, we’re accountable, we’re clear on our focus and responsibility.
  • We’re proud of our industry knowledge, our products and the impact they make for customers and society.
  • This motivates and energizes us in the role we play in driving our business forward.
WE CARE BECAUSE IT COUNTS
We take responsibility for our products, our people, our planet and our profit.
  • We care, we protect, we develop our people and our products.
  • We work safely, supportively, sustainably – always.
    Because what we do today shapes our business, and our planet, for the future.
WE PUSH FOR PROGRESS
We’re engaged, we’re empowered, we embrace evolution – and transformation.
  • We look ahead, anticipate challenges and make bold decisions to keep things moving – even when things get tough.
  • We’re proactive, we’re positive.
  • We’re committed to delivering the best – to innovating, adapting and continuously improving.
WE ARE EVEN BETTER TOGETHER
Our culture is as connected as our value chain.
  • With common goals and a shared purpose, we work together, supporting, encouraging and building trust.
  • We prioritize integrity, transparency and respect, by seeking clarity, cooperation and long-term relationships – because we achieve more together.

Living the principles every day

By defining and living these principles, SARIA Food & Pharma is creating a culture that everyone can be proud of, a culture that inspires people to take ownership, care for what matters, push for progress, and achieve more together.

Van Hessen China achieves first Halal certification

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A milestone achievement, this certification aligns with growing global demand for Halal casings and positions Van Hessen to serve this important market segment through its China factory in Shanghai, with confidence and credibility.

Gateway for future growth

As the first Halal-certified facility within the Van Hessen Group, this achievement paves the way for more certifications across the Business Unit. It enables expansion into emerging markets, like South Africa, and parts of Europe, while reinforcing customer trust and reputation for reliable quality.

“This milestone marks an important step in Van Hessen’s global development. By achieving Halal certification, we’re able to serve a broader customer base while staying true to our promise of safe, authentic, and consistent products,” Paul van Lankveld, COO, ROW.

Strategic impact and next steps

Halal certification strengthens Van Hessen’s market position and opens new opportunities where previously these were limited. The next step is achieving Halal certification for Nieuwerkerk aan den Ijssel (Netherlands), enabling flexible repacking and supply from multiple sites, including Rotterdam.

Long-term partnership, global impact

The Shanghai plant is managed by Shanghai Star, a long-standing partner of Van Hessen that has played a significant role in the global supply chain for over 30 years. As one of the world’s largest selection facilities for natural casings, Shanghai Star is now recognized as the certified market leader in halal-compliant production.

Devro achieves SBTi validation

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After a rigorous two year process, Devro has achieved a major milestone and has secured Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validation. They pursued this recognition to show their commitment to ambitious, science-based climate action and to hold themselves accountable – to their people, stakeholders, customers and communities. Achieving SBTi validation means Devro’s environmental targets are not only credible but also bold enough to make a real difference in the fight against climate change.

Devro’s carbon footprint

Reaching this point required a deep dive into Devro’s carbon footprint, including the impact of the entire supply chain. Colleagues from Engineering, Regulatory, Procurement, Logistics, Finance, R&D and HR provided invaluable support along the way. But this is not the finish line, validation confirms that their goals will make a real difference to Devro’s climate impact, but future success will depend on everyone pulling in the same direction, making everyday choices that bring a more sustainable future closer.

Why SBTi validation matters

Being validated by the SBTi is becoming increasingly important.

  • Credibility and trust – Having targets validated by SBTi gives external approval that our climate commitments align with the Paris Agreement and are not just “greenwashing.”
  • Investor and lender expectations – More investors, banks and insurers are pushing for science-based targets before providing funding or favourable terms.
  • Customer and supply chain pressure – Our customers are requiring evidence of strong climate action, SBTi-validation provides proof of our commitment.
  • Reputation and brand value – Public commitments backed by SBTi enhance brand trust with customers, employees and regulators.
  • Regulatory alignment – While not mandatory, SBTi validation helps prepare for growing climate disclosure regulations.

The trend

Validation is moving from “nice to have” to “expected”  and SBTi is rapidly becoming the standard benchmark for credible climate action. SBTi validation is one of the strongest signals of climate leadership and is increasingly seen as essential for competitiveness.

Family Day at Bioiberica


Bioiberica hosted a memorable Family Day on Saturday, September 20th, celebrating 50 years of history, growth, and innovation. The event marked a significant milestone, honoring half a century of progress by opening the company’s doors to those who drive its success: employees and their families.

A Memorable Celebration

The Family Day event brought together hundreds of employees and their loved ones at Bioiberica’s Palafolls facility for a day filled with joy, entertainment, and connection. Guests had the opportunity to explore the factory—the core of the company’s operations—and learn more about the daily work that shapes Bioiberica’s future. The atmosphere was festive and welcoming, with activities designed for all ages. Children’s games, interactive stations, food trucks offering a diverse range of culinary options, and live performances contributed to a lively and engaging experience.

Honoring the Bioiberica Community

Family Day served not only as a celebration of Bioiberica’s 50th anniversary but also as a tribute to the broader community that supports the organization. It was a recognition of the vital role employees and their families play in the company’s journey – acknowledging both the contributions made within the workplace and the support provided from home. The event created an opportunity for colleagues, friends, and family members to connect, reflect, and make lasting memories in the environment where daily efforts contribute to shared goals.

Looking Ahead

Bioiberica extends its gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to making the day special. The event highlighted the values of collaboration, appreciation, and unity that define the organization. Plans for future editions are already in consideration, aiming to continue fostering this strong sense of community.

Bioiberica relaunched brand identity: unveiling a new website


At Bioiberica, they are celebrating the 50th anniversary with a significant milestone: the launch of a renewed brand identity that reflects the commitment to the future and the fundamental purpose.

Renewed brand identity

This strategic rebranding, which culminates half a century of dedication to advancing the health and well-being of people, animals and plants, is presented with the new corporate purpose ‘For a healthier and safer world’ and a renewed tagline, ‘We are all one’, which accompanies the new logo.

Key aspects of the rebranding

Bioiberica is undergoing a rebranding process, which is the result of an in-depth analysis of the market and other strategic aspects. New fonts have been created that are modern, accessible, and easy to read on any format or device, as well as a distinctive symbol for each business area.

New corporate website

To complement this transformation, Bioiberica has launched a new corporate website designed to reflect this new identity and visual system. The new digital platform offers a unified experience with a clearer information architecture tailored to customers in each of its three main business areas: people, animals and plants. Luis Solera, CEO of Bioiberica, says: “The launch of our new website is an example of our vision: we want to continue innovating and show the world the excellence of our products in human, animal and plant health. This project is a tribute to our past and a reflection of our commitment to innovation and leadership in the sector.“ Full article on the website.

SARIA France promotes health at work

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In recent years, SARIA France has been actively promoting the health and well-being of its employees in the workplace. As part of the “Pink October” and “Movember” campaigns, SARIA France is now taking another step in this direction.

Cancer screening

This year, SARIA France is offering all employees over the age of 50 two hours of paid leave so that they can attend cancer screening appointments. This gesture reflects the belief that early detection saves lives. To go one step further, SARIA France also organized on-site awareness workshops at several locations, including SARVAL Issé, SecAnim Benet, and Bioceval Concarneau, focusing on breast, prostate, and testicular cancer.

Led by a trained medical professional, these events provided practical information and resources, as well as a safe space to ask questions and discuss openly.

Training modul

In addition, the HR teams have developed a video training module that is available on the SARIA Academy platform. The goal is to offer easily accessible content to raise awareness that is available to everyone at any time. Interested? Feel free to contact your local HR team in France to gain access.

SARIA believes that health is everyone’s business and that the workplace can be an important place to raise awareness and promote prevention.

SecAnim Spain’s biosecurity drive

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Biosecurity is a cornerstone of SecAnim’s daily operations. In Spain, this commitment is embodied by a unique role within the SARIA Group: the Biosecurity Manager, held by veterinarian Luis Miguel Sastre. He oversees biosecurity incidents, trains drivers, and promotes good practices among farmers and students. His goal is to protect animal and public health, strengthen trust, and enhance professionalism across the sector.

Collaboration and crisis management

SecAnim Spain created this role to work more closely with farmers and to better communicate that its activity goes far beyond incineration. The company transforms animal by-products through a sustainable, circular-economy process. Luis supports farmers in improving mortality management and maintains constant communication with public authorities. During sanitary crises, SecAnim activates specific protocols, adapts routes, and collaborates closely with veterinary services to ensure safe, fast, and traceable collection. He also trains SecAnim’s drivers in prevention measures and educates students at schools and universities about the importance of biosecurity.

Key biosecurity measures

SecAnim promotes the use of sealed, properly covered containers in designated collection areas that separate clean and dirty zones. A tidy, well-kept collection point is essential, as cleanliness reflects professionalism. By helping farmers improve hygiene and mortality management, SecAnim supports them in reducing collection frequency. The new refrigerated SACE storage system further enhances biosecurity and improves material quality.

Checking the collection points of SecAnim customers is part of Luis Miguel Sastre’s daily work.

Importance of the job

A central aspect of Luis’s mission is explaining to future professionals that SecAnim does not incinerate; it transforms animal by-products into fats, meals, and reusable water. This changes perceptions and highlights the company’s contribution to sustainability and the circular economy. Maintaining a positive image is equally important. Trained, hygiene-conscious drivers who act professionally at farm level play a key role. Education and training, which are part of Luis’s daily routine, therefore remain essential pillars of SecAnim’s biosecurity strategy.

Luis Miguel Sastre shows the SecAnim truck to students at one of the agricultural schools where he also gives lectures.

SARVAL Doncaster hits milestone

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On October 22, 2025, the team at the SARVAL Doncaster Petfood Freezer plant found themselves just 75 pallets away from an incredible achievement: producing the 1 millionth pallet. This remarkable milestone was proudly reached the very next morning.

Proud team

Christopher Dunn, production manager, shares, “This accomplishment reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our entire team, as well as the trust of our valued customers and partners. Each pallet represents not just a product, but a story of innovation, quality, and collaboration that defines our journey.”

F.l.t.r.: Lynne Rush (Production Planner), Thomas Barbour (Freezer Plant Operative), Rob Allen (Shift Manager), Steve Boyle (Control Room Operative), Clare Dunn (Logistics), Lee Brown (Cold-Store Operative), and Craig Hanson (Freezer Plant Operative).

SARVAL Doncaster

SARVAL Doncaster produces a range of meat, poultry, and fish products for use in the production of wet pet foods. The plant is one of the most advanced frozen and chilled pet food ingredient preparation facilities in Europe. The range of frozen and chilled products is supplied to pet food producers in both the UK and overseas.  Congratulations to everyone at Doncaster – here’s to many more milestones ahead!

8 years without injuries at Daka ecoMotion

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Daka ecoMotion in Denmark has reached an impressive milestone: 3,000 days without a lost-time injury. This achievement was celebrated with a small event for employees – a symbolic reminder that a safe work environment is both fragile and valuable.

Safety comes before speed

The milestone reflects years of consistent effort to build and maintain a strong safety culture. At the plant, safety always comes before speed. Clear procedures, regular drills, and continuous training ensure that no shortcuts are taken, even when operations are complex and time sensitive. The facility handles high-temperature processes, chemicals, and demanding technical tasks, making safety a natural priority. Approximately 10 drills are conducted each year, covering scenarios such as fire, evacuation, and chemical spill response. These exercises prepare the team for emergencies and reinforce a proactive mindset.

Collaboration is key

Collaboration across departments also plays a key role. Close cooperation with the Quality team helps ensure that safety campaigns and initiatives reach everyone and create engagement throughout the organization. As Rune Gottenborg Jensen, Process Engineer and Safety Manager, explains: “This milestone is not about one big initiative – it’s about a shared mindset. We’d rather take an extra hour than compromise on safety. Everyone, from our own employees to external contractors, follows the same rules.” Looking ahead, the goal remains clear: everyone goes home safe, every day. Milestones like this are not an endpoint – they are a reminder to stay focused and keep improving.

ecoMotions annual Round Table Meeting

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At the core of ecoMotions transnational structure are seven Working Groups (WGs) that drive efficiency, effectiveness, and continuous improvement across all plants and countries.

Working Groups

These groups foster transversal communication, enabling the exchange of knowledge and best practices across the organization. Their mission: to strengthen operational excellence, enhance financial performance, and build a cohesive ecoMotion network.

WG participants connect at least once a month, more frequently when needed, and each group is led by a coordinator who reports to the CSO or COO, depending on the topic. This setup promotes autonomy, flexibility, and cross-cultural collaboration, helping to break down national and language barriers.

Round Table Meetings

Once a year, all WGs come together for an in-person “Round Table Meeting” (RTM). The venue rotates between the ecoMotion locations: Løsning (Denmark), Malchin and Lünen (Germany) and Montmeló (Spain). This year’s RTM took place in Montmeló, where participants enjoyed a guided tour of the local plant and took part in productive working sessions focused on unlocking the full potential of ecoMotion’s people and operations.

This year’s RTM took place in Montmeló, Spain.

RTM in Montmeló

As this year’s RTM was centered on operations, the following ecoMotion WGs participated:

• Plant Managers – Sharing solutions to common challenges

• Maintenance & Technology – Implementing best practices across sites

• Quality – Harmonizing analytical methods and feedstock characteristics

• Production & Process – Driving efficiency and process improvements

These gatherings are more than meetings—they are a celebration of shared purpose, innovation, and the strength of working together. Click here to see the previous locations of the RTM.

ReFood Germany opens new site

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ReFood is expanding its presence in southern Germany with the opening of a new logistics site in Memmingen (Bavaria). After less than eight months of construction, the new site will be officially inaugurated on December 17, 2025.

New building in Memmingen

In line with ReFood’s commitment to sustainability, the new building has been designed to be energy-efficient: a photovoltaic system ensures environmentally friendly power generation, and the building is also connected to the district heating network. Up to 15 employees will work at the site in the future, primarily in the areas of logistics and transport. Planning is already geared towards further growth in site design, customer and personnel marketing.

Expansion of regional activities

With the new opening in Memmingen, ReFood is further expanding its logistics network in Bavaria, now operating three sites in the state. In addition to the locations in Eltmann, also newly built this year, and Wörth an der Donau, the site in Memmingen will serve the southern region of Germany.

Boosting investment in 2025

Another new site is currently under construction in Zörbig (Central Germany), which will replace the old location in Landsberg. ReFood currently operates a total of 23 sites and five biogas plants across Germany. Since this year, four of these locations have also been equipped with state-of-the-art depacking centers to process packaged and unpackaged food and food leftovers separately — learn more here.

Additionally, a new building has been constructed in Kogel this year. The anaerobic digestion (AD) plant has been upgraded and can now produce grid-quality biomethane. Alongside the AD plant in Genthin, the plant in Kogel is now also capable of feeding biomethane into the national natural gas grid.

These developments position ReFood at the forefront of sustainable food waste recycling in Germany, ensuring compliance while enhancing environmental performance and operational efficiency.