Fromageries Bel Maroc earns recognition for advancing sustainable water management
Fromageries Bel Maroc has been awarded the Water Sustainability Management Prize, a distinction that recognizes the company’s long term commitment to responsible resource management and environmental performance at its industrial facility in Tanger.
The award acknowledges the progress achieved through WASABEL, short for Water Saving at Bel, a group wide program designed to improve water efficiency across Bel’s manufacturing operations. Thanks to this initiative, the Tanger plant has reduced its water consumption per ton of product by nearly 40 percent since 2008, demonstrating how structured industrial policies can deliver measurable environmental results over time.
The recognition comes at a time when water conservation has become an increasingly strategic issue in Morocco. Facing recurring drought conditions and growing pressure on natural resources, both public authorities and private sector operators are accelerating efforts to improve water efficiency and strengthen environmental resilience. In this context, industrial initiatives that deliver tangible reductions in water consumption are gaining greater significance.
The achievement also reflects the broader environmental ambitions of Bel Group, which became a mission driven company in 2024. Climate action and natural resource preservation now form a central part of the group’s growth strategy. Bel has committed to reducing its net greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 25 percent by 2035 while pursuing a comprehensive decarbonization roadmap for its industrial activities.
At the heart of this transformation is the Tanger production site, which has emerged as one of the group’s flagship examples of sustainable industrial development. Beyond water management, the facility has become a testing ground for projects focused on reducing carbon emissions and limiting environmental impact.
One of the most significant milestones was reached in 2024 with the commissioning of the first biomass boiler operated by Bel Group outside France. Supported by an investment of nearly 30 million dirhams, the installation uses olive pomace sourced from a local agricultural sector. The system now covers up to 90 percent of the site’s steam requirements and helps avoid approximately 3,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
The company has also made substantial progress in its energy transition strategy. Today, all electricity consumed at the Tanger facility comes from renewable energy sources. This shift has significantly reduced the carbon footprint associated with industrial production while supporting Morocco’s broader transition toward cleaner energy systems.
Circular economy practices represent another pillar of the site’s environmental model. The factory currently achieves a 95 percent recovery rate for industrial waste through recycling initiatives, energy recovery solutions and continuous improvements in manufacturing processes. These measures contribute to reducing landfill disposal while maximizing the value extracted from industrial byproducts.
Commenting on the award, Imane Mozher, Head of Communications and CSR Cluster North Africa at Bel, emphasized the importance of responsible water stewardship in Morocco. She noted that preserving water resources is a collective challenge and said the distinction reflects years of investment, innovation and operational commitment aimed at improving environmental performance while supporting more sustainable resource use.
The recognition also highlights a broader shift taking place across the food industry. As environmental standards become more demanding and consumers increasingly expect sustainable practices from manufacturers, companies are investing in technologies and production models that combine competitiveness with environmental responsibility. The experience of Fromageries Bel Maroc illustrates how industrial facilities can pursue operational excellence while contributing to climate objectives and resource preservation.
A model for sustainable industrial transformation
Through its water conservation efforts, renewable energy investments, carbon reduction projects and circular economy initiatives, Fromageries Bel Maroc continues to advance the environmental roadmap of Bel Group. The company’s progress in Tanger demonstrates that sustainable industrial transformation is no longer limited to future ambitions. It is becoming a measurable reality that can strengthen both business performance and environmental stewardship in one of Morocco’s most strategically important manufacturing sectors.
