OCI Global, a world-leading producer of nitrogen fertilizers, methanol, and hydrogen-based solutions, has entered a strategic partnership with Raiffeisen Waren-Zentrale Rhein-Main AG (RWZ) to supply its lower carbon fertilizers for RWZ and BASF’s innovative “KlimaPartner Landwirtschaft” carbon farming initiative. The collaboration will enable RWZ and its agricultural partners to reduce the carbon footprint of crop production and advance more sustainable farming practices.
OCI will supply lower carbon nitrogen fertilizers, including lower carbon calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), Nutramon® Novo, and lower carbon nitrogen-sulfur fertilizer (CAN+S), Dynamon® Novo. Both fertilizers are produced using biogas instead of conventional natural gas in the Haber-Bosch process, resulting in up to 60% lower CO₂ emissions during production. By integrating these advanced fertilizers into the “KlimaPartner Landwirtschaft” initiative, OCI and RWZ are supporting farmers in adopting climate-smart agricultural practices while maintaining high crop yields and soil health.
Dr. Christoph Leufen, Head of the Plant Production Division at RWZ, comments: “With ‘KlimaPartner Landwirtschaft,’ we at RWZ aim to make arable farming fit for future requirements of the value chain and ultimately for end consumers. Lower carbon fertilizer is an ideal combination of sustainability and economic efficiency, making it a perfect fit for this goal. Through our product partnership with OCI, we are strengthening our portfolio of nitrogen-efficient and stabilized fertilizers. Over the coming months, we at RWZ will gradually expand our product range of these fertilizers across all nutrients.”
Sjoerd Jenneskens, Sales Director at OCI Nitrogen adds: ‘’We are pleased with the close and successful collaboration with RWZ. Only by working together with all key players in the agricultural value chain, especially farmers, can we make grain cultivation even more climate-friendly by using high-quality lower carbon fertilizers. For RWZ and OCI, one thing is clear: for the project to be successful, all participants in the value chain must experience both economic and ecological benefits. In winter wheat cultivation, OCI’s lower carbon fertilizers offer the greatest potential for CO₂ reduction. RWZ and OCI look forward to the project’s growth and warmly welcome future farmers to join.’’
In 2024, farmers under the “KlimaPartner Landwirtschaft” program cultivated 8,200 hectares of winter wheat, with the initiative targeting a 30 % reduction in CO₂-equivalent emissions per tonne of crop yield. OCI’s lower carbon fertilizers will play a critical role in achieving this goal, complementing other sustainable farming techniques such as stabilized fertilization, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and precision application.
About OCI Global
OCI Nitrogen Europe is a leading integrated European producer of premium nitrogen products, including CAN, CAN+S, and low-carbon CAN, with the capacity to produce up to 2.6 million metric tons of fertilizer per year. Serving the high-demand agricultural, industrial, and transportation sectors, it is the second-largest European CAN/UAN producer and the largest melamine producer globally (excluding China). OCI Nitrogen Europe’s ammonia lines are amongst the most energy-efficient lines in the world, leveraging advanced gas efficiency technologies and process optimization to minimize energy consumption and reduce carbon intensity while maintaining high production output. Its unique inland location in Europe’s agricultural heartland—at the crossroads of Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium—allows OCI to supply its products, including AdBlue®, efficiently and sustainably, reducing transportation emissions by delivering close to the point of consumption.
About RWZ
Raiffeisen Waren-Zentrale Rhein-Main AG (RWZ) is one of the oldest and largest agricultural trading companies in Germany, focusing on the western federal states and with activities in neighbouring countries. The RWZ Group generates an annual turnover of 3 billion euros with approximately 2,700 employees across around 180 locations. Within the agricultural value chain, RWZ operates as a wholesaler, consolidating purchase and sale volumes of harvested products such as grains, oilseeds, and potatoes, as well as operational supplies and equipment for agriculture, viticulture, horticulture, and forestry. As a retailer, RWZ offers a wide range of products, services, and expertise required by farmers, winemakers, horticulturists, and foresters for the production of raw agricultural materials and food. Additionally, the RWZ Group is active in the retail sector for private customers as an operator of home and garden stores and as a supplier of heating and building materials. For more information, visit www.rwz.ag.
