The Group established its presence in Germany in 2009, when it acquired the biodiesel plant in Wittenberg-Piesteritz, built in 2006. It began as a basic rapeseed crushing operation for rapeseed oil and meal production, with an associated biodiesel production process. Following significant investments in infrastructure and technological improvements, such as the completion of an added lecithin production unit in mid-2015, the plant now encompasses a wider range of activities. The plant’s specialties include lecithin for food and feed applications, and pharmaceutical-grade glycerin, and is part of LDC’s global network of assets for soy and rapeseed processing.

The lecithin produced here attains the highest purity level according to EU specifications, and comes entirely from European non-genetically modified organism (N-GMO) rapeseed. 

The asset employs more than 100 people, including several apprentices. With about 75% of rapemeal sold regionally, it is also a reliable partner to many local businesses, providing feed for the German livestock industry. The plant stringently adheres to industry best-practice and its operations comply with the highest standards of safety and sustainability.

We are constantly looking for ways to embrace innovation so we can adapt and comply with the ever-rising international industry standards for food, feed and energy products. Always looking to the future, LDC Wittenberg is prepared to expand into new product lines. The plant is investing in further expansion to accommodate a new blending unit for several biodiesel qualities, to meet local market demand.

LDC’s world-renowned reputation has been established over more than 165 years. This, together with our employees’ commitment and the plant’s excellent location in the local SKW industrial park in Piesteritz, allows us to provide our clients with premium quality products.

Rapeseed as a multi-faceted crop

Rapeseed is Germany’s most important source of vegetable oil.

Rapeseed processed at our Wittenberg plant is purchased mainly from local farmers and nearby countries, such as Poland and the Czech Republic. To minimize risk, we do not import from countries which allow GMO rapeseed.

LDC Wittenberg offers a variety of rapeseed final products, such as rapeseed meal, biodiesel, glycerin and lecithin, to clients in the parmaceutical, food, feed, and energy industries.

About biodiesel

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced from vegetable oils.

The high oxygen content in biodiesel results in an improved combustion process, less soot and reduced deposits², which makes it a more sustainable fuel alternative. It is estimated that biodiesel can replace up to 10% of the conventional diesel consumed worldwide.The growth  in rapeseed processing for biofuel production has increased Germany’s self-sufficiency in cattle feed. This is because each ton of rapeseed biodiesel generates approximately 1.25 tons of rapeseed meal – a key component in high-protein content feed.

The increase in rapeseed meal production has resulted in a dramatic decrease in the country’s dependency on soy imports, as well as the amount of local arable land dedicated to soy crops. This is particularly beneficial to European farmers as their land can be used to harvest other crops. It is also a more sustainable alternative as it ensures local demand can be met with local resources.

Glycerin extracted through the biodiesel production process is partly  used in feed, while the rest can be refined further, into an essential and highly sought-after raw material for the pharmaceutical industry.

About lecithin

Our lecithin is of the highest purity level, meeting EU regulations E322, which makes it suitable for the food industry and pharmaceutical use. The Wittenberg plant is dedicated to producing 100% kosher N-GMO rapeseed-based lecithin.

We adhere to strict quality management processes, which include traceability testing for pesticides, GMO and dioxin. The plant operates under a range of industry certifications, such as GMP, ISO 9001 and ISO 50001.

Facts & figures

LDC operates 8 different business lines (Platforms) worldwide: Coffee, Cotton, Global Markets, Freight, Grains & Oilseeds, Juice, Rice and Sugar.

The Group runs a dynamic network of operations in Europe, and the Middle East & Africa (EMEA), as these are strategic origination points and a key destination market for the major commodity flows.

LDC Wittenberg works within LDC’s global Grains & Oilseeds Platform operations.

Operating safely, ethically and sustainably

Partners

We work collaboratively with a large range of stakeholders across the world, from smallholder farmers to financial institutions, to meet the main challenges facing the commodities sector.

People

The safety of our people is our priority, whether they are employees, contractors, partners or customers. Regardless of their function or where they work, our aim is to ensure all our people go home safely at the end of every day. However, we believe that each individual who works at LDC is also responsible for working safely.

To make sure employees adhere to best practice, safety measures are built into our operations across the value chain, and our people are given comprehensive health and safety training.

Community

We see ourselves as an integral part of the local community, and are committed to its sustained well-being. Our operations touch thousands of communities worldwide, which is why we engage in projects specifically tailored to local needs.

LDC Wittenberg employees regularly take part in activities that benefit their community. These activities include supplying educational books to local elementary schools, and supporting a local football team’s youth division. Additionally, a group of several employees takes part in the Berlin Marathon every year. All funds raised for the marathon are donated to a Wittenberg school for children living with learning difficulties and mental illness.  

Most recently, LDC supported the creation of an organic garden with fruit trees and vegetable patches. Located in a recreational camp in the area, the garden will provide a quiet and safe outdoor space to be enjoyed by local residents.

Environment

LDC helps feed and clothe up to 500 million people worldwide every year so environmental concerns are at the heart of our operations and business model. We ensure our operations are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations, and often work with local organizations on initiatives and activities to minimize our impact on the environment. In addition, we work with various commodity panels and integrate their standards into our business as fully and efficiently as possible.

Working at LDC

Careers at LDC

Nurturing our people is essential to our success. So we are committed to a culture that effectively identifies and manages talent globally. Our business is supported by a number of different roles, all of which are important to achieving our organizational goals.

Why work for us?

People are our most important asset, and their dedication and attitude are essential to our success. As we continue to grow, and new challenges arise in our industry, it becomes even more important to attract, nurture and retain talented employees. We invest in our people knowing they will play a significant role in how well we adapt to dynamic market conditions and maintain a leading position in our sector.

¹ Source: UFOP-Praxisinformation – Vorfruchtwert von Winterraps, Prof. Dr. Bernd Honermeier, Dr. Michael Gaudchau, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen

² Source: VDB http://www.biokraftstoffverband.de/de/biodiesel/guete.html