Farm Frites is developing a future-proof approach to energy and sustainability

Navigating complex energy regulations, SBTi commitments and strategic investment decisions

Farm Frites is an international producer of frozen potato products, employing more than 1,500 people across five production sites. As sustainability requirements and energy regulations became increasingly complex, the company faced several interconnected challenges.

Internally, limited capacity and specialised expertise made it difficult to keep pace with evolving energy legislation, including the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). This regularly resulted in audit remarks and reduced visibility into potential efficiency improvements and compliance risks.

At the same time, customer expectations were changing rapidly. Key customers increasingly expected suppliers to demonstrate credible climate commitments, including alignment with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Farm Frites wanted to proactively prepare for these developments but needed support in translating ambitious emission reduction targets into realistic technical measures and embedding energy efficiency more deeply across the organisation.

Additional pressure came from changing regulations surrounding the company’s biogas production. Failure to demonstrate the renewable origin of the biogas in a timely manner could have resulted in annual costs of several hundred thousand euros. Meanwhile, Farm Frites was regularly approached with proposals for new technologies, including deep geothermal energy, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and renewable gases. Independent, evidence-based advice was needed to assess both the technical feasibility and business case of these opportunities.

From compliance support to carbon reduction and strategic investment guidance

Encon became Farm Frites’ long-term energy and sustainability partner, providing support at both operational and strategic levels.

On the compliance side, we took full responsibility for energy reporting obligations and communication with regulatory authorities. Through continuous monitoring of ETS requirements and active support during audits, Farm Frites gained confidence that all reporting obligations would be met accurately and on time, significantly reducing compliance risks.

We also supported the identification and implementation of energy-saving opportunities across multiple sites. Through energy audits, technical workshops, waste heat studies and permit-related analyses, we helped uncover practical efficiency improvements. Our regular on-site presence enabled close collaboration with different departments, accelerating decision-making and implementation.

At a strategic level, we supported the development of a climate roadmap and group-wide carbon strategy. Together, we assessed which Scope 1 emission reductions were technically feasible, economically viable and aligned with Farm Frites’ SBTi ambitions. In addition, we provided independent evaluations of emerging technologies, ensuring that investment decisions were based on objective technical and financial insights rather than market claims alone.

Our collaboration provided Farm Frites with three key pillars:

• Compliance and certainty
  Accurate reporting, reduced regulatory risk and smoother audit processes.
• Operational efficiency
  Identification of tangible energy-saving opportunities and optimisation measures across production sites.
• Strategic direction
  A scalable climate and energy strategy that supports long-term decarbonisation across the entire organisation.

Avoided costs, accelerated opportunities and a stronger sustainability strategy

The partnership delivered both immediate financial benefits and long-term strategic value.

Accurate and timely ETS reporting helped avoid a potential fine of €100,000. In addition, proactive monitoring of changes in biogas regulations protected Farm Frites from an estimated annual cost exposure of €260,000.

Our energy studies identified multiple efficiency opportunities and created the foundation for future investments in sustainable technologies, including electric boilers, which are currently being further evaluated.

Perhaps most importantly, sustainability has become firmly embedded within the organisation. What was once largely managed by a single individual has evolved into a cross-functional priority supported by multiple teams and departments.

With a clear climate roadmap, a scalable strategy across all production sites and a trusted partner continuously monitoring legislative and technological developments, Farm Frites is well positioned to achieve its long-term SBTi ambitions and strengthen its leadership position as a sustainable player in the food industry.