Renewable energies play an increasingly vital role in reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. In the Chilean poultry and pork industries, the use of biomass—either directly or through biogas production—and solar energy has become a key part of moving toward a more sustainable economy.
As sustainability becomes a requirement for consumers, communities, and international markets, ChileCarne’s member companies have taken concrete measures to actively engage in an effective energy transition. This includes the integration of renewable sources, improvements in energy efficiency, and more responsible emissions management.
ChileCarne is working to transform the sector’s energy usage with the conviction that that this path not only contributes to significantly reducing greenhouse gases—particularly CO2—but also enhances the competitiveness of companies and their contribution to more responsible development.
From Commitment to Results: Sustainable Progress in the Meat Industry
The progress made by ChileCarne’s member companies reflects real and measurable progress. For instance, Agrosuper achieved a 16.7% reduction in its carbon footprint last year. This is the result of a cross-cutting strategy that includes updated processes, new technologies, and improvements in energy efficiency. Currently, about 69% of the energy Agrosuper uses comes from renewable sources. “We are committed to strengthening an increasingly responsible production model that integrates efficiency, sustainability, and a close relationship with communities,” said Marcela Zapata, Sustainability Leader at Agrosuper.
Coexca has also made meaningful progress in energy sustainability. Currently, all its industrial plants are powered by clean energy, achieving a 100% renewable energy supply. The company recently added a solar carport—a covered parking area with over 1,700 photovoltaic panels—which contributes an installed capacity of 1,075 MWp, integrating clean energy generation into its main processing plant. Additionally, its subsidiary plants have received the 100% Renewable Seal from Imelsa Energía, which certifies that their entire electricity supply comes from renewable sources. The energy used in its processing plant comes primarily from solar energy (85.2%), followed by wind energy (12.9%) and hydroelectric energy (1.2%). “We believe that committing to the environment is not an option, but a responsibility that we take seriously and with a vision for the future. Building the largest solar carport in the Maule Region is a significant milestone in our path toward an energy transition through the incorporation of clean and renewable energy sources. This initiative not only helps us reduce our operating costs but also reaffirms our commitment to a sustainable development model that respects the environment and focuses on the well-being of the communities where we operate,” says César Rodriguez, Industrial Plant Manager at Coexca. The company also plans to continue expanding its clean energy infrastructure, both at its industrial plants and, in the future, at its pig farms, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of future generations.
Agrícola AASA has also significantly reduced its energy consumption. In 2024, 87.8% of the energy used by the El Campesino plant came from non-conventional renewable sources, equivalent to 42.6% of the company’s total energy consumption. It also generated 3,498 MWh through biogas and is in the process of implementing three new solar plants that will collectively contribute 1,822 MWh annually. In April of this year, the company was also awarded the Imelsa Energía 100% Renewable Seal. “These actions have produced significant business benefits, as they are implemented thinking of efficiency and savings,” says Álvaro Rivera, Head of Environmental Management at Agrícola AASA. “Furthermore, electricity-generating and trading companies have been proactive in offering renewable energy solutions, with various product categories that simplify the purchase of clean energy,” he added.
Maxagro uses renewable energy to power its Las Pataguas slaughter plant and Santa Lucía pig feed plant. Both facilities hold the International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC) Standard, which guarantees the traceability of the clean energy supplied, in this case, from the Ancoa Reservoir hydropower plant. Additionally, their biodigesters generate biogas to power the boilers, and their Chillán factory also uses alternative fuels like recycled oils and tires. “Our commitment to energy sustainability is an integral part of the company. The use of renewables and alternative fuels helps us move toward a cleaner and more efficient operation and shows our commitment to a sustainable energy supply,” said Elizabeth Ellmen, Sustainability Manager at Maxagro.
The Sector’s Commitment to a Cleaner and More Responsible Industry
The pig industry’s commitment to sustainability has resulted in a 24% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the past two decades. This improvement is due to the adoption of efficient technologies, best production practices, and the growing use of clean energy.
These initiatives are part of the Chile Conscious Origin Program, which promotes energy assessment and management, clean technologies, and setting clear goals for reducing the carbon footprint. Additionally, companies use a Carbon Footprint Calculator to monitor their progress, allowing them to track their emissions and optimize their processes.
These efforts are aligned with Chile’s energy transition goals, which aim to achieve a 100% renewable energy mix by 2050 and move toward carbon neutrality. In the meat sector, this involves investments, technology, and a strategic vision that places sustainability at the heart of business growth.
ChileCarne is committed to building a more modern, efficient, and environmentally-friendly industry, in which every advancement is a significant step toward more responsible food production.
