Lonza Capsugel has strengthened its renewable energy strategy by integrating locally generated wind power into operations at its Bornem site in Belgium, which manufactures gelatin hard empty capsules (HECs). Delivered through a long‑term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Belgian renewable energy cooperative Beauvent, the project reinforces Lonza Capsugel’s commitment to global sustainable, resilient and future‑ready manufacturing for the European nutraceutical market.
The agreement directly connects a nearby wind turbine to the Bornem site, enabling Lonza Capsugel to source local renewable electricity while enhancing long‑term energy stability. The wind turbine is projected to generate approximately 14 percent of the site’s total electricity needs. When combined with electricity generated from existing onsite solar panels, approximately 25 percent of the site’s power is now produced locally from renewable sources. The remaining 75 percent of the site’s electricity needs is sourced from an existing virtual PPA, meaning the Bornem facility is now operating with 100 percent renewable electricity.
For nutraceutical manufacturers, utilizing locally generated renewable energy addresses several critical industry challenges. As companies face rising expectations to demonstrate meaningful progress on sustainability and environmental footprint reduction, energy‑intensive manufacturing inputs are increasingly central to their own Scope 3 emissions reduction strategies. By embedding renewable electricity directly into the production of HECs, Lonza Capsugel is supporting customers in reducing indirect emissions while strengthening supply continuity through regionally anchored manufacturing.
“This project shows how local partnerships can deliver meaningful progress toward global sustainability goals,” said Peter Groenewege, head of Lonza Capsugel’s Bornem site. “By connecting nearby wind power to our operations, we are strengthening manufacturing resilience while advancing our long‑term decarbonization objectives. Our customers are increasingly focused on measurable sustainability action across the supply chain. Initiatives like this combine renewable energy generation with operational stability and long‑term cost predictability, enabling our customers to advance their own sustainability commitments with confidence.”
This local project also supports Lonza Capsugel’s broader global sustainability and decarbonization roadmap, which places a significant focus on local energy supply and resilience. Both Lonza Capsugel sites in Europe—in Bornem (BE) and Colmar (FR)—run on 100 percent renewable electricity, reinforcing the company’s goal to produce capsule solutions that make a positive difference for our customers and the planet.
For more information, visit www.lonza.com.
