SARIA International GmbH, headquartered in Selm, Germany, is a global leader in sustainable resource management and recycling of organic materials. Operating under the SARIA Group, the company transforms animal by-products, food waste, and used cooking oil into high-value inputs for the feed, pet food, agriculture, energy, and pharmaceutical industries. With over 200 sites across Europe, SARIA plays a central role in the circular economy by delivering environmentally responsible, economically viable, and compliant solutions to global partners.
Core Business and Offerings
SARIA International GmbH operates across multiple industry verticals through its specialized brands and subsidiaries:
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Processed Animal Proteins:
- Delivered primarily through SARVAL, these proteins are used in pet food and animal feed production, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources.
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Animal Fats and Oils:
- Rendered fats from the processing of animal by-products, used in oleochemical industries, bio-lubricants, and biofuels.
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Biofuels:
- Through its ecoMotion brand, SARIA produces second-generation biodiesel derived from animal fats and used cooking oil (UCO), contributing to the EU's renewable energy targets.
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Pet Food Ingredients:
- Functional ingredients derived from fresh by-products and processed at Bioceval and other pet food-dedicated facilities, maintaining strict hygiene and nutritional standards.
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Pharmaceutical Ingredients:
- Through its brand Van Hessen, SARIA produces heparin and other bioactives extracted from porcine mucosa and other biological materials, supporting the global pharmaceutical industry.
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Food Waste Recycling and Catering Waste Collection:
- Under the ReFood brand, SARIA provides comprehensive collection, recycling, and valorization of food waste for anaerobic digestion and biogas production.
These services support a broad range of industries, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, food processing, and waste management.
Specialization and Core USP
SARIA International GmbH’s unique value proposition is its integration of organic waste management, bio-refining, and ingredient manufacturing across a circular, traceable supply chain. Its core strengths include:
- End-to-end rendering and valorization infrastructure.
- Multi-brand, multi-sector expertise enabling customer-specific solutions.
- European compliance leadership under regulations such as EC 1069/2009 and EC 142/2011.
- Technological innovation in anaerobic digestion, biodiesel production, and protein separation.
SARIA distinguishes itself through its ability to transform waste into certified, high-value resources used across both human and animal industries.
Financial Performance
As part of the globally operating Rethmann Group, SARIA International GmbH holds a strong financial position:
- SARIA Group reported revenues exceeding €1 billion annually, with operations in over 26 countries.
- The bioenergy segment, led by ecoMotion, contributes significantly to revenue and growth.
- Recent investments exceeding €150 million in plant modernization, sustainability initiatives, and European market expansion.
- Operating margin strengthened by increased demand for renewable fuels and sustainable feed ingredients across Europe.
Shipment Records
From trade intelligence and internal logistics data:
- SARIA handles millions of tons of organic raw material per year.
- Over 100,000 tons of processed proteins and fats are shipped annually to global feed, pet food, and oleochemical clients.
- Export destinations include the Netherlands, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, the UK, and select non-EU countries.
- Bulk shipments are delivered via rail, road tankers, and sealed containers in compliance with EU transport standards.
Target Market
SARIA International serves a diverse array of industries and stakeholders:
- Pet food and animal feed manufacturers
- Biofuel refineries and green energy plants
- Oleochemical companies and detergent manufacturers
- Pharmaceutical and biotech firms
- Foodservice and retail chains (for waste recycling)
- Municipal and national environmental agencies
The company provides tailored solutions from raw material collection to regulatory documentation and product customization.
Capabilities
- Over 200 processing sites across Europe, including rendering plants, biogas facilities, and biodiesel refineries.
- Dedicated logistics network, including temperature-controlled fleets and certified transport systems.
- State-of-the-art laboratories for quality assurance, microbiological testing, and R&D.
- Regulatory compliance support for customers across animal feed, pharma, and energy sectors.
- Digital traceability systems integrated across the supply chain.
SARIA’s operational footprint and vertical integration allow it to guarantee consistency, safety, and sustainability at scale.
Certifications and Compliance
- ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 22000 certified facilities
- GMP+ Feed Safety Assurance
- EU compliance with EC 1069/2009 and EC 142/2011 for animal by-product processing
- RSB (Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) and ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) for biofuels
- REACH registration and compliance for oleochemical ingredients
These certifications reinforce SARIA’s reputation for excellence in quality, environmental responsibility, and regulatory alignment.
Customer Testimonials
“SARIA’s processed proteins are a cornerstone of our pet food formulations. Their quality control and supply reliability are unmatched.”
– R&D Director, Global Pet Food Brand
“ecoMotion’s biodiesel feedstock from SARIA enabled us to meet our EU renewable targets with confidence and consistency.”
– Operations Manager, European Bioenergy Producer
Major Achievements
- Established ecoMotion as one of Europe’s largest producers of second-generation biodiesel.
- Launched ReFood’s closed-loop food waste recycling system in multiple EU countries.
- Integrated Van Hessen’s pharmaceutical raw material production, positioning SARIA as a key player in the global heparin supply chain.
- Developed digital waste tracking platforms for traceability and regulatory compliance.
- Recognized across Europe for leadership in circular economy initiatives and sustainable resource recovery.
SARIA International GmbH continues to drive sustainable transformation across multiple industries by turning organic waste into essential resources, contributing significantly to environmental preservation, food security, and renewable energy development.
