We are working hard to reduce all forms of waste across our business. By adopting a LEAN approach, we have been a zero waste to landfill business since 2016.
Increase the volume of waste recycled, reused and recovered (excluding refuse derived fuel) to 60% 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.