Activities & Products

This first segment comprises the manufacturing of intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The business unit is the preferred supplier to important international pharmaceutical companies, our glycine and glycine derivatives mainly having applications within the pharmaceutical industry.

The Gelatin business unit produces a wide range of quality gelatins based on the bones and skin of pigs and cattle. About two thirds of the gelatin is intended for the food industry. Gelatin is a gelling agent and an important source of protein, and it contains no cholesterol, fat or carbohydrates. It is also converted into specific foodstuffs for diabetics and products with a low glycaemic index, and is produced for the pharmaceutical industry (capsules), and for a wide range of technical applications (such as photography).

Via the French subsidiary Akiolis, Tessenderlo Group plays an important role in collecting and processing animal by-products. Akiolis is the number two on the French market and the third largest player in Europe.

In the field of animal by-products, Akiolis is active in two different but complementary sectors.

The valorisation of animal by-products which are suitable for consumption.
In this respect, Akiolis supplies:

• bones for the extraction of gelatines

• proteins and animal fats for use in pet food

• animal fats for the soap industry and lipochemistry

• animal proteins for fertilisers

As a rendering plant, it handles the collection and the processing of risk waste, and protects hygiene on cattle farms. The processed products are mainly used as fuel by the cement industry.

Since 2008, Akiolis is also active in the valorisation of the by-products of cereal crops from the food industry. These products are meant for the production of animal feed and pet food.