Lonza Capsugel connects Belgium site to 100% local renewable energy
Key takeaways
- Lonza Capsugel’s Bornem site in Belgium now runs on 100% renewable electricity, combining local wind power with onsite solar and a virtual PPA.
- The move strengthens sustainability, reduces Scope 2 emissions, and enhances manufacturing resilience for nutraceutical customers.
- The initiative supports long-term decarbonization goals, energy diversification, and a reliable supply for global capsule production.
Lonza Capsugel has announced its integration of local wind power into its hard empty capsule manufacturing operations at its site in Bornem, Belgium. The move was facilitated through its long-term power purchase agreement with the renewable energy provider Beauvent.
The company highlights that for nutraceutical manufacturers, using local renewable energy tackles multiple challenges critical for the industry. Much like other sectors, the industry is increasingly facing sustainability expectations, and energy-intensive manufacturing inputs are becoming increasingly central to reducing environmental footprint and Scope 3 emissions.
“This project shows how local partnerships can deliver meaningful progress toward global sustainability goals. By connecting nearby wind power to our operations, we are strengthening manufacturing resilience while advancing our long‑term decarbonization objectives,” says Peter Groenewege, head of Lonza Capsugel’s Bornem site.
“Our customers are increasingly focused on measurable sustainability action across the supply chain. Initiatives like this combine renewable energy generation with operational stability and long‑term cost predictability, enabling our customers to advance their own sustainability commitments with confidence.”
Renewable energy for nutraceuticals
The project aligns with Lonza’s commitment to environmental sustainability, and the local wind turbine is expected to generate 14% of the site’s annual electricity needs. It will support supply resilience and energy source diversification to reduce Scope 2 emissions, says the company.
The Bornem site will be directly connected to a nearby wind turbine, to ensure local renewable electricity and long-term energy sustainability.
The Bornem site will be directly connected to a nearby wind turbine, to ensure local renewable electricity and long-term energy sustainability.“The wind turbine is projected to generate approximately 14% of the site’s total electricity needs. When combined with electricity generated from existing onsite solar panels, approximately 25% of the site’s power is now produced locally from renewable sources,” says the company.
“The remaining 75% of the site’s electricity needs is sourced from an existing virtual power purchase agreement (PPA), meaning the Bornem facility is now operating with 100% renewable electricity.”
The company has another European site in Colmar, France, that also runs on 100% renewable energy. This enables the company to reach its goal of producing capsules that have a positive impact on the planet and consumers.
Working toward sustainability
Lonza Capsugel says it helps protect nutraceutical consumers from supply chain disruptions through its responsible sourcing program, quality and regulatory expertise, and integrated global manufacturing network.
It has directed continuous investments toward these efforts and focuses on providing a diverse base of suppliers to minimize risk and ensure consistent quality standards.
The company touts its large and geographically diverse hard empty capsules network, supported by risk management processes, which helps insulate its customers from the impacts of geopolitical shifts and supply chain disruptions, and robust global sourcing models.
In March, Lone Star Funds entered an agreement to acquire Lonza Capsules & Health division this year. However, Lonza will retain a 40% equity position in the business.
