Berner Industries leverages a wide range of industrial side streams to advance the circular economy. Our goal is to help transform side streams generated in industrial production processes from waste into valuable secondary raw materials. In this way, we reduce the need for virgin raw materials and lower overall waste volumes.
Responsibility at Berner is closely linked to circular economy solutions
Promoting the circular economy is a core part of the Berner Group’s sustainability programme. Our objective is to increase the share of recycled and side stream–based raw materials and to improve material efficiency. In 2023–2024, the volume of recycled side streams already reached 317,759 tonnes. We have created several successful circular economy solutions that benefit not only the environment, but all stakeholders across the value chain.
From mining industry by-product to fertilizer raw material
Ammonium sulfate generated in the production at Terrafame’s battery chemicals plant is an excellent example of large-scale utilization of a side stream. Instead of incurring waste management and treatment costs, this mining industry by-product becomes part of an international fertilizer value chain. Crystalline ammonium sulfate is shipped as a raw material for the fertilizer industry via the Port of Hamina. In addition, liquid ammonium sulfate, another by-product of the process, is used domestically to enrich the nutrient content of cattle slurry. This enables more nutrients to be applied to fields in a single spreading round.
“We supply ammonium sulfate generated in Terrafame’s production to the international fertilizer markets. Ammonium sulfate is an efficient source of nitrogen and sulfur in modern fertilizers. This cooperation is a concrete example of how industrial side streams can be turned into export products that are commercially significant as well.”
Anna Savtchenko, Segment Director, Berner Industries
Side streams from betaine production into animal feed
Finnish betaine production generates side streams that can be utilized as high-valued raw materials at feed production. Betaine isolated from sugar beet–based solutions is produced at Naantali for the needs of the feed, nutrition, cosmetics and chemical industries.
“Cooperation with Finnfeeds Finland is an excellent example of how side streams from betaine production can be used efficiently. The majority of glycerol mixture and protein molasses is directed to the feed industry as raw material. On the other hand, we can also utilize glycerol mixture for example to replace fossil-based chemicals in water treatment plants.”
Renata Kent, Sales Manager, Berner Industries
From steel industry waste to a water treatment chemical
Pickling acid generated in metal industry processes has traditionally been seen as a problem or even as waste. In cooperation with Voda Nordic, a new chemical for water treatment is produced from steel pickling acid. This recycled product reduces the waste burden and the need for virgin chemicals.
“Utilizing pickling liquor is a concrete example of how industrial side streams are being turned into resources. Thanks to this cooperation, we are able to reduce the amount of waste and virgin chemicals used in the industry.“
Tuomas Rinne, CEO, Voda Nordic
Safety and quality always come first
Berner’s strengths include long experience, an extensive industrial network and strong logistics expertise. Recycled products are regulated raw materials for end-users and are subject to strict quality and safety requirements. The reuse of materials must not pose any risk to the next user, which is why, for side stream–based products, we place particular emphasis on:
- quality variations – the raw material is analysed and clear specifications are defined for it
- compliance with legislation and regulatory requirements (e.g. fertilizer, feed and chemicals legislation)
- process safety and handling safety throughout the value chain
- traceability: we know where the side stream comes from and where it goes
In many cases, a side stream can be used as is, but often it requires pre-treatment or further processing before it meets all quality and safety requirements. Designing and managing these processes is a core part of Berner Industries role.
Get in touch and let’s find out how we can turn your side streams into resources as well!
