Danish Bakery benefitted from the Smart and Sustainable Investment Grant Scheme, a scheme administered by Malta Enterprise for companies to operate sustainably. Through this scheme, Danish Bakery is one of the companies which are improving their operations. This local company is investing in a more efficient and sustainable air conditioning system, known as adiabatic, which uses water to cool the air.
The Smart and Sustainable Investment Grant Scheme addresses five types of investments: (i) efficient use of water, (ii) sustainable materials which increase the lifecycle of the product and therefore make it easier to recycle, (iii) better waste management and use of resources, (iv) digital processes to enhance customer care and quality service and (v) efficient use of energy.
The grant is intended for companies investing in sustainable projects, with a minimum investment of €10,000. Eligible companies receive an assistance of 50% of the investment, up to €50,000. Companies operating in Gozo, which have been established for more than three years, or with projects that will lead to a drastic reduction of CO2 emissions, may also benefit from a tax credit of up to €20,000.
During a visit by Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli and Malta Enterprise CEO Kurt Farrugia, company chairman Alex Mallia and CEO Ian Genuis explained the ongoing works within the company.
“Each sector, including the economic sector, must work in favour of the environment and sustainability. We are working with enterprises to continue encouraging the use of energy efficiency and reduction of emissions within their operations. Such investments contribute positively towards the environment, whilst creating new career opportunities, especially in the green economy: green jobs. Together with Malta Enterprise, I reiterate our commitment to strengthen economic development based on sustainability and digitalization,” highlighted Minister Dalli.
Malta Enterprise CEO Kurt Farrugia remarked on how this scheme generated lots of interests from enterprises on how to have more sustainable and digital operations; “This scheme generated lots of interest amongst enterprises, on how they should address operations processes, and identifying changes towards more sustainable and digital processes. As Malta Enterprise, we are constantly visiting companies from various sectors, such as the manufacturing and service industry, and explaining how they can benefit from different schemes.”
The Chairman of Danish Bakery stated how this investment is strengthening the company’s competitiveness. “With this investment, we are benefitting from almost the maximum of the eligible assistance. At present, we are seeing how we can further invest in operations on various levels to strengthen our resilience. Within Malta Enterprise, we find individuals who understand our needs within our company and how we can expand,” concluded Mr Mallia.
