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.
- Water Stewardship Training, which equips staff with a comprehensive understanding of water sourcing, usage, and management across sites, including the development of water maps and site-specific water charters.
Waste Segregation
At Kilbeggan, Ireland
A series of initiatives were introduced to improve waste segregation and increase recycling , including enhanced waste management at break times and the introduction of a deposit return scheme to separate cans and plastic bottles for recycling. These changes improved awareness and participation across the workforce.
As a result, the site reduced total waste by approximately 30 tonnes, while improving recycling performance. Proceeds from returned containers were donated to Cian’s Kennels, a local charity, delivering both environmental and community benefits.
General Waste Compactor
At Treburley, England
Waste handling on the Treburley site required multiple daily transfers of general waste from production areas, increasing forklift movements, time and overall operational inefficiency.
To address this, a general waste compactor was installed at the exit of production to capture the majority of bagged waste directly from the shop floor. With a 10:1 compaction ratio, the system significantly reduces waste volume and streamlines the handling process.
As a result, internal waste transfers have been reduced from approximately 4–5 per day to around 1 per day. This has lowered skip collections, reduced associated emissions, and improved health and safety by minimising site traffic and manual handling requirements.
De-Waterer for Lairage Pit Material
At Cardington, England
Increasing volumes of slurry and wastewater in the lairage pit created operational challenges at the Cardington site, with traditional tankering methods becoming inefficient and costly.
To improve efficiency, a de‑watering system was introduced to separate solids from liquid waste. This produces a drier solid material while significantly reducing the volume of liquid requiring removal. The solution reduces reliance on tankering, improves waste handling efficiency, and delivers both environmental and operational benefits across the site.
Waste Wood Project
At Cardington, England
At Cardington, reclaimed wood from site operations was repurposed to create planters for wildflowers, diverting material from the waste stream while supporting biodiversity initiatives on site.
By reusing materials that would otherwise be discarded, the project demonstrates a practical approach to circularity, combining waste reduction with environmental enhancement.