Operating mainly in the local market, “Žali žali” faced logistical constraints – fresh food requires exceptional storage conditions and fast transport. The specific process of sprouts production also limited the implementation of sustainability initiatives. “Žali žali” uses a closed-loop production system, whereby the sprouts are grown on a substrate made from recycled waste. However, the sprouting process is very water and electricity intensive. The company had already invested in several solar power plants to achieve energy independence, but the high financial costs limited the availability of additional solar battery. This is where a long-standing relationship with Lithuanian Innovation Center experts came in handy, who introduced the EENergy open call to “Žali žali”.

“The opportunity to get financial support for energy saving solutions was exactly what we needed. We didn’t hesitate to apply for the grant and ended up purchasing a solar battery. Now we just have to wait for a sunnier season,” says Vincas Benevičius, CEO and co-founder of “Žali žali”: “With the support of EENergy grant the company will be able to provide their production facility with solar energy significantly reducing the cost of electricity.”