Production site Lummen commissions new ice‑water installation, cutting energy use by half

FrieslandCampina has officially commissioned a new, future‑proof ice‑water installation at its production site in Lummen. With an investment of 10 million euros, the site — where cream and skimmed cream are processed — has taken a big step towards more sustainable, energy‑efficient and safer production. The installation uses up to 50% less electricity and reduces total energy costs by 12%, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of around 600 households.

More efficient cooling and a safer working environment

The new installation replaces the existing ice‑water system and now provides both process cooling and cooling for the office spaces. The switch from ammonia to CO₂ as a refrigerant significantly improves workplace safety and ensures the installation is well‑prepared for future regulations and standards.

Plant director Ricardo van Wijk looks back on the project with pride: “The opening of the new ice‑water installation, which involved the contribution of 200 employees, is an important milestone for our production site. This investment strengthens the long-term future of our site and helps us achieve our 2030 climate goals. By preparing our infrastructure now for further sustainability improvements, we ensure that we can continue to produce competitively, flexibly and in a climate‑conscious way in the years ahead.”

Circular use of energy

Later this year, heat pumps will be added that will reuse residual heat from the ice‑water process, for example for pasteurisation and cleaning. By using this residual heat in the site’s internal heat network, much less energy is lost. This not only increases production efficiency but also further reduces the site’s ecological footprint.