Rendering: treatment of gaseous emissions

Odor emissions are a major environmental concern. More than others, certain industries present a variety of inconveniences. On the other hand, the development of certain activities is a necessity when they are a response to a public safety or health issue. The processing of meat by-products from livestock farming and the agri-food industry fall into this category. These activities have the potential to emit gaseous emissions that cause olfactory discomfort. The French sector is highly concentrated, with two industrial groups sharing two-thirds of national production. In 2004, there were some forty meat by-product processing plants and eleven rendering plants in France .

The problem with this activity is to prevent the spread of fumes and effluents from the machines into the workshops, as it is impossible to guarantee homogeneous extraction of ambient air from the premises. This will be beneficial both internally for staff and visitors, and externally for the surrounding area. The aim is firstly to limit the risks of odour generation by intervening on process factors, secondly to capture vapours as early as possible, and finally to properly purify the gaseous effluent collected.

These emissions can be controlled by modernizing equipment, implementing strict production procedures, installing air collection networks and using deodorization systems. With these measures and the application of good practices, these activities, which are essential to eradicate all health risks, can operate in harmony with their neighbors.