ATLANTA, GA. — Ethan Carter, director of sustainability at Irving, Texas-based Darling Ingredients, recently presented the sustainability model for the company at the International Rendering Symposium, held in conjunction with the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta.

Carter noted that Darling processes about 15% of the world’s animal byproducts, mainly in North America, Europe, and Brazil, while also returning more than 12 billion gallons of water to the environment.

During his presentation, Carter detailed why a rendering company would invest in a fertilizer business. He explained that fertilizer gives Darling another profit center, an internal hedge to protein price fluctuations and for contingency planning.

Carter also discussed the key Darling Ingredients inputs that are used in the fertilizer, how these inputs provide fertility value and the markets that are served by the fertilizer business.

Later in the symposium, David Dirks, chief operating officer for APC, Ames, Iowa, noted its company sustainability story and how customer dynamics led to essential takeaways.

Dirks remarked that “sustainability is a journey that requires a dedicated team, time and help from external experts.”

While stating APC’s information, he showed how APC’s position on the matter changed from defense to offense and how sustainability plays a positive part in customer conversations.

He also commented that APC is advancing its sustainability practices by upcycling raw materials for zero waste and helping animals thrive through better nutrition, while recycling water, utilizing waste heat, improving efficiency and investing in alternative energy sources to actively work toward the company’s carbon reduction goals.

The symposium featured three different sections of interest, including “Use of Rendered Products in Aquaculture,” which talked about amino acids from rendered products for aquaculture, rendered animal products for aquaculture and a journey toward sustainable agricultural practices with insects.

The “Global Trade Flows of the Circular Bioeconomy” section included an overview of African market opportunities, international animal fats markets, international animal protein markets, and a journey toward sustainable agricultural practices.

Finally, the “Global Initiatives for a Circular Bioeconomy” section focused on approaching a circular bioeconomy, feed ingredients application in a circular bioeconomy, and utilization of food waste ingredients for feed.

The North American Renderers Association and the US Poultry & Egg Association were sponsors of the program.