Panoli Facility Powers Ahead with Green Steam Initiative

At Avantor, sustainability is embedded in our global business. As part of our multi-year roadmap to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, we are investing in conservation, efficiency, and alternative energy solutions across our global operations.

A recent achievement at our Panoli, India facility exemplifies this commitment. Since September 2024, the site has successfully transitioned to using green steam—an eco-conscious solution that’s reshaping how we produce vapor for chemical operations.

So, what exactly is green steam? Unlike traditional steam generated using fossil fuels like natural gas, green steam is produced using renewable energy sources—in this case, biomass. At Panoli, we’re using biomass briquettes made from Ground Nut Shells (GNS), an agricultural byproduct that would otherwise go to waste. These briquettes are burned cleanly and efficiently to generate the steam needed for our processes.

The impact has been extraordinary: the shift to green steam has allowed us to eliminate 99% of natural gas usage for vapor production at the facility. This not only reduces our carbon emissions significantly but also lowers operational costs—highlighting how sustainable solutions can drive both environmental and economic value.

The switch to GNS briquettes marks a pivotal step forward in our sustainability journey. By adopting renewable energy sources in our industrial operations, we’re reducing our carbon footprint, supporting the circular economy, and reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship.

The Panoli team’s success is more than a single-site accomplishment—it’s a model for scalable, impactful change. With every initiative like this, Avantor continues to demonstrate that even targeted, local solutions can contribute meaningfully to global progress.