GRACESA

The facilities currently process between 300 and 350 tonnes of by-products per day, which means that between 70,000 and 90,000 tonnes of by-products are processed each year.

We have a maximum production capacity totalling 600 tonnes per day or approximately 150,000 tonnes each year.

The production process at GRACESA’ s facilities has been developed in such a way that high-quality products are obtained. To achieve the above, inspections are performed by an accredited laboratory to check the quality of the products.

We therefore guarantee that animal protein is obtained by means of fusing by-products of category 3 animals collected from slaughterhouses, cutting rooms and points of sale, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 October laying down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 (Animal by-products Regulation).

The raw materials received are shredded and inserted in the various cooking boilers (digesters) where fat is rendered.

Once the fusion has occurred, we can separate it from the solids by means of a separation system, after which it is necessary to purify it in order to eliminate the suspended particles it may contain or, in some cases, water.

The solid residue resulting from the separation of the fat may undergo drying treatment, so as to obtain the optimal degree of humidity, and subsequent milling, in order to reduce its size and obtain animal flours and fats that will be used for making animal feed and manufacturing fodder, fertilizers and other products.

Gracesa’ s facilities include storage tanks for melted fats, lards and tallow (finished products) that are made of stainless steel to ensure optimal preservation of the products, with a capacity of around 2,500 tonnes, as well as specially designed vents for storing processed animal protein (PAP), with a capacity of approximately 500 tonnes. The above guarantees our supply and a satisfactory service for our customers.

In turn, we provide this service with our own vehicles and staff in order to guarantee the traceability of the products.

The production process does not generate any wastewater. The wastewater stems from the cleaning of the facilities and the transport vehicles and from the toilets.

Upon the basis of the principle of respect for the environment that governs Gracesa’ s activity, the leachates, condensates and filtrates from the production process are treated in the facilities’ new Regenerative Oxidation System (TRO).

The cesspools existing in the production area remain watertight, in such a way that they guarantee that no spillage originating in these areas is channelled directly to the integral sanitation system without any prior control.

Gracesa has a specific separation network for rainwater from the urban area, which is directly connected to the sanitation network in Ciempozuelos (Madrid). There is also a connection for the industrial waste waters, once they have passed through the industrial discharge inspection point that is fitted for this purpose.