dsm-firmenich taps ABB for automation of methane-reducing feed additive plant in Scotland

SCOTLAND – Global animal nutrition leader dsm-firmenich has selected technology company ABB to provide automation systems for its new Bovaer® production facility in Dalry, Scotland. 

The facility, set to become the first large-scale plant for the methane-reducing cattle feed additive, aims to combat climate change by significantly lowering agricultural methane emissions.

The announcement was made as part of dsm-firmenich’s commitment to scaling up Bovaer, a feed additive developed over 15 years to reduce enteric methane emissions in cattle. 

The new site, located 40 kilometres west of Glasgow, will serve as the central hub for global production of the additive. 

ABB’s role will be critical in automating and securing plant operations, helping to boost engineering efficiency, operator productivity, and overall asset performance.

“This facility will become the first large-scale production plant for Bovaer, and with it, we look forward to widening our collaboration with the entire dairy and beef value chain to reduce emissions and make a positive contribution in the fight against climate change,” said Mark van Nieuwland, Senior Vice President Bovaer at dsm-firmenich

“Utilising ABB’s automation expertise exemplifies how we can accelerate the expansion and adoption of Bovaer to significantly decrease methane emissions on a large scale.”

ABB will deliver its ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system, in addition to IT and OT networks, cybersecurity infrastructure, process CCTV systems, electric motor control centres, and variable speed drives. 

The project builds on an existing partnership between the two companies, with ABB’s site work expected to be completed by November 2025. The facility is slated to become operational shortly thereafter.

Bovaer tackles a challenge more potent than CO₂

Methane is the second-largest greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, but it traps over 80 times more heat in the atmosphere over 20 years. 

Unlike CO₂, however, methane has a much shorter atmospheric lifespan, around 12 years, making it a prime target for near-term climate mitigation. 

According to the United Nations, nearly 600 million tonnes of methane are emitted each year, with 32% originating from livestock.

Bovaer has already proven its potential. A mere quarter teaspoon per cow per day can reduce methane emissions by up to 30% in dairy cows and 45% in feedlot beef cattle, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of meat and dairy products. 

Since entering the market over two years ago, Bovaer has helped reduce emissions equivalent to 300,000 tons of CO₂e.

“With 605 of global methane emissions coming from human activities, reductions are essential to reach the world’s climate change targets,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB Energy Industries. “So we are proud to be working on a project that will significantly reduce anthropogenic methane emissions.”

Currently available in over 65 countries and backed by more than 80 peer-reviewed studies, Bovaer® represents one of the most scientifically supported methane reduction tools in livestock farming. 

The new Dalry facility marks a pivotal moment in its global rollout, one that could redefine sustainable agriculture and accelerate progress toward the Global Methane Pledge, signed by over 150 countries to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030.

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