Glanbia farmers commit to 30% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030

20 Jul 2021 --- Glanbia Ireland has pledged to achieve a 30 percent absolute reduction in carbon emissions from its processing sites by 2030 and will work with its dairy farmers toward a similar cut in carbon intensity from milk production. The new targets are laid out in a newly launched sustainability strategy called Living Proof.

The company will continue to prioritize air and water quality, animal health and welfare, biodiversity, packaging, production and other areas.

Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, chief innovation and sustainability officer François Morgan says Living Proof brings together a host of initiatives already underway on farm and it charts a pathway for the future. “In addition to the Open Source Future Farm program, Agricultural Sustainability Advisory Programme (ASSAP) and the Signpost – Farmers’ for Climate Action program Glanbia Ireland has developed a range of schemes and service to support our suppliers to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of their farm businesses, including the Twenty20 Beef Club, Great Grass program, Operation Biodiversity, FarmGen and MilkFlex.”

“We work alongside national and international research organizations to find solutions to bridge the innovation gap and meet our sustainability targets. We are continuing to develop our partnerships with our customers and our retailers to achieve our joint objectives of a more sustainable future.”

“Living Proof is a targeted sustainability strategy with a very clear pathway. We are very confident that working in partnership with our farm families, our research partners, across our operations and in our communities we will meet these goals,” explains Morgan.

Glanbia has also signed up for the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to show its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by implementing science and technology.

Company-wide sustainability strategy
The company’s overall ambition is to reach Net Zero Carbon by no later than 2050, in line with the Irish Government’s commitment to the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill.

Following a year of detailed analysis and planning, the Board of Glanbia Ireland has adopted a comprehensive, company-wide Living Proof sustainability strategy. It sets out clear targets to 2030 and beyond for each of five key priority areas, including: 

• Carbon reduction
• Regenerative agriculture 
• Natural nutrition
• The circular economy 
• Growing together

 It contains long-term, science-based targets, goals and promises, including achieving carbon neutral status for six of its main production sites. 

The sustainability strategy also focuses on soil health and nutrition, further improving the nutritional quality of its product portfolio as well as reducing and recycling packaging and limiting waste. 

Glanbia Ireland commits to 30 percent absolute reduction in carbon emissions from processing sites.Promoting diversity and inclusion in a fair, safe and progressive working environment is also laid out in the strategy, which will guide the company in the coming years. 

Speaking as the Living Proof sustainability strategy was unveiled, Glanbia Ireland CEO Jim Bergin says: “Irish farmers are showing their determination to adapt to the requirement for science-based climate action. Farm families are proud custodians of the rural environment, and we will support our farmers in addressing challenges and building on Ireland’s great natural credentials. Farmers have proven their willingness to adapt and change many times.”

Morgan says that Glanbia Ireland had worked closely with The Carbon Trust and Forum for the Future for over a year on Living Proof.

“Over the years, Glanbia Ireland has shown the necessary sustainability leadership required to future proof Ireland’s largest indigenous sector, the agri-food sector. We’ve signed up to the SBTi and are committed to delivering on our promises.”

“We are showing through a variety of initiatives that vibrant communities can be environmentally and economically sustainable at the same time. For Living Proof to deliver, our farmers, our suppliers, our customers, employees and our communities must work together.”

By Elizabeth Green