Sustainable food production

The concept of business policies linked to sustainable food production is central to DSM's vision, strategy and policy. Such policies mean finding a good balance between respect for human beings, care for the environment and economic gain (people, planet, profit). Data with respect to safety performance and care for the environment are reported annually in DSM's responsible care progress report which is available on request.

DSM Food Specialties participates in the Sustainable Food Chain Foundation (DuVo) in the Netherlands. The entire food chain from primary production up to and including retail outlets is represented in this foundation.
Together we have set a process in motion that consists of the following elements:

• a dialogue with relevant stakeholders, aimed at establishing a common definition of the concept. On the basis of this, measurable criteria will be developed to steer and monitor improvement programs
• knowledge management aimed at providing factual information that will enhance the content of the dialogue
• an open exchange of knowledge to enable as many parties as possible to share the insights that have been acquired

Summaries of reports entitled 'Quest for sustainability in the food chain', 'Start of a dialogue', 'Sustainability in perspective', 'Sustainability in the picture' and 'Sustainability requires openness' are available as PDF files on the Dutch website.

DSM Food Specialties focuses on the development of new products to contribute to more sustainable food production. In particular, enzymes are often useful as a means of substituting chemical processes with less polluting enzymatic processes.

The application of enzymes such as pectinases in apple juice production, for example, has enabled the industry to produce clear juice concentrates at high yields. Yields of juice from fruits are increased on average by 10%. The production of concentrates results in lower storage volume and, as a consequence, lower transportation costs.

Another well-known example of an enzyme contributing to more sustainable food production is phytase. Application of this enzyme in animal feed for monogastric animals results in a marked reduction of phosphate and nitrogen content in manure.