---
title: "Nordzucker AG inaugurates new extraction tower at Schladen, Germany; saves up to 22 tonnes CO2 daily"
sdDatePublished: "2026-08-14T14:07:00Z"
source: "https://www.nordzucker.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/260814_Press-release-Extractionstower-Schladen.pdf"
topics:
  - name: "energy industry"
    identifier: "medtop:20000261"
  - name: "energy saving"
    identifier: "medtop:20000421"
  - name: "environmental policy"
    identifier: "medtop:20000423"
  - name: "electricity"
    identifier: "medtop:20000260"
locations:
  - "Braunschweig"
  - "Germany"
---


Nordzucker AG inaugurates new extraction tower at Schladen, Germany; saves up to 22 tonnes CO2 daily

Nordzucker AG | Communications & Public Affairs | Nicole Dinter | Tel: +49 531 2411-158
E-Mail: nordzuckercommunications@nordzucker.com | www.nordzucker.com

New extraction tower at Nordzucker’s Schladen factory
increases efficiency in sugar production
With the inauguration of a new extraction tower, Nordzucker is improving the
efficiency of sugar production at its Schladen factory and reducing energy
consumption in the production process at the same time. A new grid connection
substation provides state-of-the-art energy security for the site.
Braunschweig, 14 August 2026 – Nordzucker today officially inaugurated a new
extraction tower at its Schladen site. The facility plays a central role in sugar
production: it is here that the sugar is extracted from the beet pulp and prepared for
further processing. With this new facility, Nordzucker is investing in modern plant
technology whilst optimising the efficiency of sugar production.
The new extraction tower was built to replace the previous unit, which could only
continue to operate on a limited basis following damage sustained in 2024.
Following the laying of the foundations in 2025, assembly began in early 2026. “The
new extraction tower ensures that sugar is extracted even more efficiently from the
beet pulp whilst reducing the energy requirements of the production process. In this
way, we are supporting our ongoing efforts to further reduce the CO₂ emissions
from our production,” says Ulrich Overwin, Head of Factory in Schladen.
Measuring 39 metres in height, with a diameter of twelve metres and a volume of
2,100 cubic metres, the new tower is designed to handle the factory's processing
capacity of around 10,500 tonnes of beet per day. The plant allows the beet pulp to
remain in the tower for a significantly longer period compared with the previous
tower. This enables the sugar to be extracted more efficiently, significantly reducing
the proportion of residual sugar in the pulp. At the same time, less water is required
in the subsequent production process, which reduces energy consumption. As a
result, the new tower saves up to 22 tonnes of CO₂ per day during the campaign
compared with the old facility – equivalent to roughly the annual CO₂ emissions of
three to four German citizens.
“The new extraction tower in Schladen is a prime example of our approach to
combining technical innovation with sustainable production. Investments in energy-
efficient processes are a key component of our decarbonisation strategy. With
projects such as this, we are gradually reducing the energy requirements of our
Press release

Nordzucker AG | Communications & Public Affairs | Nicole Dinter | Tel: +49 531 2411-158
E-Mail: nordzuckercommunications@nordzucker.com | www.nordzucker.com
production and consistently driving forward the modernisation of our sugar factories,
says Torsten Bigalke, Managing Director for Germany at Nordzucker.
In addition, the Nordzucker site in Schladen commissioned a new grid connection
substation in advance of the campaign – this connects the site to the public
electricity grid. This ensures that the site’s energy supply is maintained to the latest
technical standards.

Nordzucker
Nordzucker is one of the world’s leading producers of sugar from sugar beet and sugar cane. The Group
extracts sugar products in various forms, such as white sugar, raw sugar, refined sugar, organic sugar,
speciality sugars and liquid sugars. Nordzucker also produces animal feed, molasses, fertilisers and
fuels, as well as electricity. In the 2025/2026 financial year, the company generated revenues of 2.3
billion Euro.
With its Fields for Growth strategy, Nordzucker is focusing on two areas: improving the profitability of
its existing business and pursuing targeted diversification and growth. Through this strategy,
Nordzucker is also focusing on the aim of fully decarbonising its production by 2050 at the latest. This
is supplemented by aims to reduce carbon emissions in beet cultivation.
High-quality products and services, growth prospects and continuous improvements are the driving
force behind a dedicated and international team of around 4,000 employees at 19 European and
Australian production sites.
www.nordzucker.com