backaldrin: Sustainability is a mindset

Sustainability is a mindset

As a family-owned company and leading manufacturer in ingredients, backaldrin understands its responsibility in doing business is key to long-term success. This means sustainability in all areas of work for the Austrian producer.

+The baking ingredients manufacturer combines the tradition of the craft with breaking technology to innovate. It all starts with sourcing the raw materials it uses: since its launch in 1964, backaldrin has chosen to rely on local agriculture resources for everything that Austria produces in the quality and quantity it needs. Doing business locally supports not only agriculture but also the environment, minimizing transport routes needed: 92 % of the ingredients for the worldwide known Kornspitz® originate from Austria through regional partnerships, as well as more than 80 % of all cereal products. The company has its products and processes regularly checked and assessed by independent certification bodies. For example, backaldrin has been certified according to organic, RSPO, UTZ or AMA guidelines for years. “As a manufacturer of baking ingredients, we work with natural products on a daily basis, so it goes without saying that we take responsibility for the environment and nature,” says backaldrin owner Peter Augendopler.

Large green areas are an essential part of the company premises.

© backaldrin

Sustainability all around

Sustainability thinking does not only go into the products: backaldrin invests in solutions that will support energy-saving, waste management and greening, with ecosystems on the company’s premises for a biodiverse habitat. Solar panels on the roof of the company head office in Asten have been providing hot water for decades. The company fleet is also gradually being converted to electric vehicles, and trucks powered by alternative energy have been tested. Large green areas are an essential part of the space surrounding the company, which include insect hotels – for a targeted, species-appropriate space for bees and insects, essential for a functioning ecosystem. The company modeled the semi-natural areas around its premises to provide such a habitat. “We want to contribute to a livable future and therefore have already taken numerous steps to do with sustainability and the environment. We have many more ideas for a healthier and greener future,” explains backaldrin managing director, Harald Deller.

Peter Augendopler Jr. in the bakery of the Angel Bakery, where more than 30 people have already completed their training as bakers.

Baker training in Africa

In addition to sustainability in Austria, backaldrin is committed to developing work in Africa. In 2012, the ingredient manufacturer was one of the co-founders of the Angel Bakery in the middle of a large slum in Kenya and provided all the equipment, training and technical support. More than 30 people have already completed their training as bakers there. “In addition to the bakery, the project also includes a Social and Health Care center as well as two schools with almost 1,000 pupils, who are supplied with bread and pastries daily by Angel Bakery. This is because education and food are the keys to change and an improvement in living conditions,” says Peter Augendopler Jr. who supports this backaldrin CSR project. +++