Suez Digelis® FoodWaste: Innovative Pretreatment for the Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
The management of biowaste has become a major challenge since the widespread implementation of source separation mandated by the AGEC law in 2024. In this context, Suez developed the Digelis® FoodWaste process, a pretreatment system designed to improve the energy efficiency of methanization units. A semi-industrial demonstrator has been operating since January 2026 at the Meta-Bio-Energies site in Ombrée-d’Anjou.
The technology significantly reduces water consumption by harnessing the natural moisture content of biowaste (approximately 60%). The process begins by opening and shredding packaging to make the organic matter accessible. The waste is then placed in a 55°C reactor where biological digestion releases water and purifies the material. Finally, mechanical separation separates the organic fraction from impurities (plastics, metals, etc.).
By optimizing this preparation stage, Digelis® FoodWaste increases biogas production by 5% while reducing energy and water consumption. The resulting digestate, intended for agricultural use, has improved agronomic quality because the organic fraction is more concentrated and less contaminated. Studies indicate that the site can process up to 2,000 tons of biowaste per year, with a goal of doubling the number of digesters by 2030.
This innovation is the result of ten years of research and process optimization at Suez. It aligns with efforts toward energy transition and a circular economy, providing a concrete solution for managing the growing volumes of biowaste. This demonstrator could pave the way for the widespread adoption of the process in other biogas plants.