Kernel sells low-carbon sunflower oil with an additional premium for the first time

Kernel has signed the world’s first agreement to sell sunflower oil with a reduced carbon footprint and a proven climate effect.

This was reported to USM by the company’s press service.

The buyer was an international multinational corporation that implements the strategy of achieving a zero carbon footprint. It paid an additional premium to the market price for proven emissions reductions during product manufacturing.

Kernel explained that reducing the carbon footprint is ensured throughout the production chain — from sunflower cultivation to its processing.

The company calculates the carbon footprint of the harvest at the level of individual fields, taking into account soils, weather conditions, crop rotation and cultivation technologies. This allows you to select raw materials with the least impact on the climate and trace their path through the elevators to the processing plant.

Kernel also uses electricity from renewable sources in its factories, which further reduces emissions.

The size of the environmental premium depends on the confirmed volume of emissions reduction and the market value of a ton of carbon. According to the company, it can reach $100 or more per ton of CO₂ equivalent.

To automate calculations and scale the project, Kernel also started cooperation with the technology company Regrow.

The company noted that they plan to expand the offer of low-carbon products for other customers.

Earlier, Kernel attracted 100 million euros for the construction of a wind power plant.