Invisible but essential, compressed air plays a central role in the operation of our mills. It is used to unclog filter sleeves (by projecting air to loosen accumulated flour), to operate pneumatic equipment or to fluidize flour during bulk loading so that it flows easily. In short, it's everywhere... but its use is not neutral. Producing compressed air means consuming electricity. And any leakage represents not only a loss of efficiency, but also an avoidable source of greenhouse gas emissions. That's why our sites are committed to an active approach to leak hunting.
Following the example of the Verneuil-l'Étang mill, which had initiated the approach in 2023 with the installation of a cut-off valve and a leak repair campaign, saving nearly 6 tonnes of CO₂e per year (article HERE), the Brienne-le-Château site launched a large-scale operation in 2024.
Shut-off valve in Verneuil
A revealing audit to target efforts
In October 2024, a specialized audit was carried out on the site's compressed air network. The result: 52 leaks identified, representing an estimated total loss of 2,300,000 m³ of air per year. An invisible but very real waste.
To remedy the situation, an action plan was launched, with priority given to the largest leaks. The strategy? Progressive repairs, in coordination with production teams, as some interventions require the temporary shutdown of production lines.
Captures from the compressed air leak report for the Verneuil site,
similar to those at Brienne-Le-Château.
Results already visible
To date, the 6 biggest leaks have been repaired, resulting in a 20% reduction in energy consumption linked to compressed air production: from 81,000 kWh in October 2024 to 64,000 kWh in April 2025, on the site's two compressors.
Theambition is clear: to repair all leaks by the end of 2025. This action is fully in line with our climate strategy, "Link by GMPwith a dual benefit: reducing our energy consumption and GHG emissions, while improving the overall performance of our equipment.
A collective dynamic
The initiatives at Verneuil and Brienne illustrate a broader dynamic being pursued by all our sites. At Verneuil, the first "leak hunt" campaign demonstrated that targeted technical actions can generate significant gains. At Brienne, this approach is being pursued with ambition.
Other mills, such as Surgères, already boast exemplary performance in compressed air management.
These initiatives, carried out by a number of mills, bear witness to an already well-established collective commitment to more sober and responsible energy management.
