Purpose
Olleco, the renewables division within the ABP Food Group, was established to ensure that waste streams originating from food production and foodservice operations are viewed as valuable feedstocks for sustainable energy generation. Its Aylesbury anaerobic digestion facility was designed to demonstrate how a regenerative approach to energy can decarbonise an entire operational chain.
Action
At Olleco Aylesbury, food waste and used cooking oils are collected from across the UK and delivered to the facility, where they undergo a highly efficient anaerobic digestion process. This
natural, oxygen-free environment enables microorganisms to break down organic material and generate biogas. That renewable biogas is then upgraded into biomethane, which is injected into the UK’s national gas grid, providing a reliable stream of low-carbon energy for homes, businesses and ABP’s own operational needs.
Impact
Olleco Aylesbury has delivered significant environmental benefits, demonstrating the value of circular energy within ABP’s wider sustainability strategy. The facility has the capacity to process over 100,000 tonnes of food waste each year, diverting material from landfill and preventing substantial methane emissions – methane that is instead captured and converted into useful, renewable energy.