Turning Yogurt Into Energy

PurposeEnergy, which finances, builds, owns, and operates industrial anaerobic digestion facilities for food and beverage manufacturers, has commissioned a food waste and wastewater pre-treatment facility in Minster, Ohio. The facility turns residuals from Danone USA’s largest US yogurt plant into renewable natural gas (RNG). Located in the Route 66 Industrial Park, the project represents an investment of more than US$40 million and is PurposeEnergy’s first project with Danone.

The facility takes in wastewater and high-strength organic residuals piped directly from the Danone plant, along with material from other regional food and beverage producers. It is designed to process up to 250,000 gallons (946,353 liters) per day and produces biogas, treated water, and nutrient-rich soil amendments.

At full operation, the facility is expected to produce about 50,000 MMBtu of biogas per year. The biogas is piped to a new, dedicated boiler at Danone’s Minster plant, where it displaces natural gas. PurposeEnergy estimates that the displacement is equivalent to about 3200 US tons (2900 tonnes) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) per year. Piping residuals directly from the plant avoids another 720 US tons (650 tonnes) of CO₂e per year compared with the previous off-site handling route.

The facility treats water to well above the village’s discharge standards, removing surplus nutrients and dissolved solids before it reaches the municipal wastewater treatment works. That reduces the load on local infrastructure.

“This project is an excellent example of PurposeEnergy’s role in creating circularity benefits for food and beverage manufacturing,” said Eric Fitch, founder and chief executive officer of PurposeEnergy. “Food manufacturers shouldn’t have to choose between growing production and meeting their environmental commitments. With this facility anchored near Danone’s Minster plant, we can give our partner a solution that supports both their goals.”

“The PurposeEnergy facility is an example of our Danone Impact Journey in action and part of our wider Re-Fuel energy excellence program, helping turn organic material from our Minster plant into renewable biogas that can be piped back to the plant and used through a new biogas boiler. What makes this project especially meaningful is how it brings together industry, local infrastructure and community stakeholders around a shared goal. It is a powerful example of how operational growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand,” said Heiko Gerling, chief operating officer of Danone Americas.

The facility is operational and ramping up, with a grand opening planned for spring 2027. PurposeEnergy is a portfolio company of Quinbrook.

“In Minster, sustainability isn’t just a goal for the future; it’s a commitment we build into our infrastructure today. By investing in local, resilient energy and smart growth, we ensure that our village remains self-reliant, vibrant, and prosperous for the next generation as it is for us today,” said Craig Oldiges, mayor of the Village of Minster.