Sustainability for the Sugar Division of the Südzucker Group

Sustainability: API products adhere to the following Südzucker Group missions as a group brand:

For clients, consumers and employees to develop a transparent and meaningful relationship around beetroot cultivation.
To conserve and protect local natural resources.

Sustainability: Raw materials

As API products are produced from sugar beet, the availability of this raw material has a vital role to play now and in the future. Therefore, the principle of sustainability is an integral part of our business practices.

Sustainability: 4 major impact areas on our path to sustainability

1. Locally grown - sustainably sourced

Promoting local, sustainable agriculture and transformation, thereby fostering transparency and reliability.

An active member of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform (SAI), Südzucker and its sugar beet growers have proven their adherence to its sustainability criteria by obtaining the REDCert2 certificate. During the 2021/22 financial year, the Gold status – the highest awarded by the FSA – was awarded to Südzucker in Germany and Belgium, and for the first time, in France and Poland.

2. Promoting biodiversity - protecting the local environment

Working to preserve the plant and animal diversity of our local ecosystems, in collaboration with our growers, and analysing how our activities impact these ecosystems.

Engaging in responsible water use.

3. Reducing emissions by 2030 - energy and emissions

Reducing CO₂ emissions by modifying the energy mix, developing renewable energy sources, and practicing environmentally friendly crops.

4. Consumption - Conscious consumption

Raising awareness about the benefits of sugar beet for enhanced product value and conscious consumption, and provide clean solutions in terms of products and services.

Did you know:

Sugar beet is very good for the soil. The roots of sugar beet reach up to two meters deep. This loosens the soil and improves its fertility. The next crops that are planted then benefit from better protection.
With its long roots and due to the long vegetation period, the sugar beet optimally absorbs the nitrogen present in the soil. As a result, the content of residual nitrates in the soil is significantly reduced compared to other plants, namely by more than 50%. Sugar beet thus helps to reduce the nitrate content in groundwater, making it an ideal plant for water conservation areas.