Dossche Mills represents a fundamental transformation within the food industry. While many companies limit themselves to solar panels, electric cars or energy-efficient buildings, the Belgian milling group deliberately chooses a different approach. The company not only wants to reduce its own ecological footprint, but also address the biggest climate impact where it actually originates: on the agricultural field.
800,000 tonnes of CO2
With the Terah programme, the family-owned company is building a long-term strategy that sees sustainability not as a marketing tool, but as a new economic standard for the entire grain supply chain. According to Dossche, those investing today in regenerative agriculture and transparent supply chains are building a competitive advantage for tomorrow.
According to CEO Kristof Dossche, that choice is logical. The company emits around 800,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, but only a small part of these emissions comes from its own factories or transport. Internal analyses show that nearly 78% of the total carbon footprint originates from the production of raw materials, especially grain cultivation.
30% more sustainable wheat
That is why Dossche Mills is strongly committed to sustainable wheat cultivation through regenerative farming practices. By fertilising more intelligently, reducing ploughing and using crops that strengthen the soil, agriculture becomes more resilient to extreme weather conditions. At the same time, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced while biodiversity and soil health improve.
The Terah programme forms the core of this strategy. This initiative brings together farmers, suppliers and customers in one integrated supply chain model “from field to baker”. Hundreds of farmers in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany are already participating today through various cooperatives. They receive support as well as financial compensation to apply more sustainable farming methods.
The Terah flour resulting from this sustainable cultivation already has a carbon footprint that is approximately 30% lower than that of conventional flour. By 2030, the company even aims to achieve a 50% reduction.
A comprehensive approach
Dossche Mills is also strongly committed to sustainability within production and logistics. The company invests in efficient installations, limits waste and reduces paper consumption through digitalisation. In addition, it increasingly opts for transport by waterway, which significantly lowers CO2 emissions. Its truck fleet and mobility policy are also becoming greener through Euro 6 vehicles, carpooling and low-emission cars.
“Transparency plays a crucial role here. Dossche Mills explicitly positions itself against greenwashing and wants to demonstrate impact through data, monitoring and collaboration with agricultural partners. In the coming years, digitalisation will therefore play an increasingly important role. Data platforms, real-time monitoring and ESG reporting must ensure that both customers and regulators gain insight into the actual climate impact of products,” says CEO Kristof Dossche.
With this strategy, Dossche Mills positions itself as one of the frontrunners in making the European food supply chain more sustainable. The company demonstrates that real impact is not only created in factories or logistics, but especially at the very beginning of the chain: in the fields where the grain grows.
