By adopting a LEAN approach, we have been a zero waste to landfill business since 2016.
We have a streamlined site waste reporting system and Key Performance Indicators are agreed with progress shared through monthly calls, site reports and site operations meetings. This communication strategy provides insights into opportunities for improvement across our sites. As part of this management system, each site completes waste audits to ensure good segregation, adherence to the waste hierarchy and to identify opportunities for waste reduction.
Increase the volume of waste recycled, reused and recovered (excluding refuse derived fuel) to 70% by 2030.
Our production sites are ISO certified for environmental management (Dawn Meats and Dunbia). We have a streamlined site waste reporting system and targets and Key Performance Indicators are agreed and progress is shared through monthly calls, site reports and site operations meetings. This communication strategy provides insights into opportunities for improvement across our sites. As part of this management system each site completes waste audits to ensure good segregation, adherence to the waste hierarchy and to identify opportunities for waste reduction. For example, engaging with suppliers to achieve closed loop recycling for chemical containers and packaging, improving efficiencies in production processes such as improved stock control and investments in new packaging technologies to reduce offcuts from the process.
We recycle / recover all packaging, scrap metal, dry mixed recyclables, electrical components, construction waste and waste oil. We promote recycling on our sites by actively engaging with employees on the importance of reducing and eliminating waste and reusing and recycling to protect resources.
Cardboard and plastic bailers are installed at our sites to compact waste for collection and recycling into packaging products, thus minimising emissions from transport.
General waste is recovered through incineration to produce refuse derived fuel for industrial processes. Most of the general waste materials have been contaminated, making it difficult to recycle. We are rolling out new technologies and innovations to solve this challenge, such as washing processes to remove contamination so plastic can be recycled.
Awareness campaigns on the importance of waste elimination and reuse to minimise waste generation, and segregation to increase recycling are completed annually as part of environmental week. A colour coding system has been introduced to differentiate waste streams, making it easier for our multi-lingual workforce to separate waste into the correct recycling units. Training and visual aids were key tools to help our employees make the right decision when segregating waste. Engagement campaigns include elimination of unnecessary single use plastics and recycling mobile phones. Re-useable keep cups and water bottles have been provided to team members during these awareness campaigns.
Investment in Employee Training & Engagement
As part of our ongoing commitment to achieving our Plan Four Zero environmental targets and objectives, we make significant investments in employee training and engagement to enhance operational sustainability across our sites in the UK and Ireland.
Our training programme includes:
- Emergency spillage response training to ensure rapid and effective containment of environmental incidents
- Effluent operation training to support responsible wastewater management
- Refrigeration efficiency training to reduce energy consumption and emissions
- ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 Lead Auditor training, which equips key personnel with the expertise to uphold and audit against globally recognised standards in environmental and energy management
- ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 Training, which equips new starters on the environmental team to gain an understanding of the requirements for the standards.
- EPA Licencing Training, which equips new starters on the environmental team to understand the requirements of the EPA licence for the site which they are managing.
Deposit Return Scheme
at Kilbeggan, Ireland
In February 2024, the deposit return scheme was launched in Ireland. This scheme aims to protect the environment, help move to a more circular economy and reduce waste and litter. When you buy a drink in a plastic bottle, aluminium or steel can that features the Re-Turn logo, you pay a small deposit in addition to the price of the drink. When you return your empty and undamaged drink container to participating shops or supermarket, you get your deposit back in full.
On our Kilbeggan site we are collecting cans and plastic bottles in a separate bin, which are then recycled. All proceeds generated are donated to Cian’s Kennels charity, which brings family pets from their home to the Children’s Health Ireland Hospital in Dublin for visits with the sick child.
Enhancing On-Site Recycling
at Dungannon, Northern Ireland
A plastic baler was installed on the production floor to improve plastic segregation and increase recycling efficiency at source. The baler cost £6,750 including delivery and training, and enabled the site to streamline plastic waste handling, reduce contamination, and lower general waste volumes.
Within one month of operation, 1.2 tonnes of plastic were baled, projecting an annual recovery of 14.4 tonnes from the general waste stream. We continue to work with waste contractors to identify additional plastic streams suitable for baling and recycling.