European Flour Millers

As an inherently electricity-intensive sector, where mechanical milling and associated processes rely heavily on a stable and affordable supply of electrical energy, the successful decarbonisation of the European flour milling industry is inextricably linked to the availability of renewable electricity and the necessary infrastructure to support it.

European Flour Millers welcome this Commission's initiative, as it aims to increase trustworthiness of environmental claims. The EU pilot phase on Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) was designed as a bottom-up process where industry sectors could apply for voluntary participation. So far, only a few food & drink sectors have participated to this phase.

Our sector is a vital component of European food security and rural economies, comprising over 3,000 mills - the vast majority being small and medium-sized enterprises. As a continuous-process industry where electricity is the dominant and essentially irreplaceable energy input, the design of the post-2030 framework is of direct and material importance to our operational viability.

The European flour milling industry strongly supports the objectives of the EU Electrification Action Plan and the broader decarbonisation pathway of the European economy. As an energy-intensive sector relying on continuous operations and stable electricity supplies, our industry is committed to reducing emissions through electrification where technically & economically feasible.

Flour milling is the leading food industry in grain processing in Europe, with more than 3 800 mills and a large majority of SMEs using around 47 million tonnes of wheat, rye and oats each year. A resilient, competitive and sustainable flour milling sector is crucial for ensuring food security and supporting rural economies in Europe.