Initiatives at operations throughout the region underscore the company's commitment to sustainable poultry farming and resource efficiency

CAMPINAS, Brazil – Aviagen^® Latin America, a leading poultry breeding company, remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental sustainability. “Through balanced breeding, we make continuous progress in bird efficiency, welfare and performance, the cornerstones of sustainability,” said Ivan Pupo Lauandos, Aviagen's President of Latin America.

“Sustainability is part of our daily life; it’s a journey we’re continually on,” explained Aviagen Latin America's Environmental Coordinator Gustavo Braz Vilela. “Moreover, we continually integrate the latest technology and innovation to drive sustainable practices that shrink our carbon footprint, while preserving our natural resources,” he added.

Read on to discover how Aviagen is actively reducing its carbon footprint, advancing environmental conservation, and conserving natural resources.

Clean energy

Aviagen adopted a forward-thinking policy in April 2023, transitioning its corporate vehicles from running on diesel or gasoline to ethanol. This strategic decision has already prevented the emission of approximately 177 tCO2e into the atmosphere – which is equivalent to planting 1,239 trees. With over 82,000 liters of ethanol used between 2022 and 2023 in Brazil, Aviagen is significantly reducing its carbon emissions.

Aviagen also shifted its electricity sourcing, with 43% of its power coming from the free market in 2022 and 2023, entirely from renewable sources. Combined with electricity from the regulated market, which is predominantly renewable (88% in 2022), the company now relies on renewable sources for around 93% of its electricity consumption.

Moreover, Aviagen is taking proactive steps to generate its own renewable energy, starting with the solar photovoltaic plants implemented at the facilities in Uberaba, state of Minas Gerais (MG) and Sarutaiá, state of São Paulo (SP). The aim is to supply 100% of their electricity needs. These initiatives underscore Aviagen's commitment to harnessing sustainable energy sources.

Preserving natural resources

Aviagen manages over 4,000 hectares of land in Brazil, including more than 1,181 hectares dedicated to native vegetation in preservation areas. Because forests absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it in trees, root systems, soil and other repositories, these forests play a crucial role in storing an impressive 550,000 tons of CO2.

Effective waste and effluents management

A newly opened great grandparent (GGP) farm in Sarutaiá, designed as a flagship for farm sustainability, reflects Aviagen's dedication to environmental responsibility. It showcases rainwater reuse in its toilets and employs thorough effluent treatment – a centralized approach that treats wastewater collectively in sequence. An investment of R$ 2.6 million was made in effluent treatment on this farm alone. Additionally, over R$ 1.5 million was invested in solar panels to ensure 100% energy supply, as well as compost bins for managing waste materials.

Efforts to enhance effluent treatment have also been undertaken in Uberaba (MG) and Carambeí (PR), focusing on legal compliance, financial support, problem-solving studies, project development, equipment upgrades, and laboratory analyses. These initiatives have resulted in improved efficiency and cleaner water.

Waste management is another area where Aviagen has made significant strides. The company is working with a waste treatment firm to responsibly manage laboratory waste, such as syringes, needles, vaccines and animal specimens. This initiative ensures that waste is converted, through incineration and/or pyrolysis, into valuable resources in the form of charcoal or pyrolysis oil, rather than ending up in landfills.

Breeding a sustainable future

Ivan Pupo Lauandos, Aviagen's President of Latin America, emphasized Aviagen’s overall commitment to sustainability: “Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. From resource use to genetic improvement and beyond, we remain dedicated to making a positive impact across our operations. Aviagen is a pioneer in poultry sustainability, and our firm commitment ensures that we will continue to achieve better and better results.”