The reduction has been achieved over a six-year period from 2018 to 2024 as part of the company’s €100M-plus Plan Four Zero sustainability strategy, which includes a target of reaching operational Net Zero by 2040.
Scope 1 covers emissions from sources that an organisation owns or controls directly, while Scope 2 are emissions that a company causes indirectly such as where the energy it purchases and uses is produced.
The figures have been released as part of a sustainability update from the meat processor. It charts how the company has saved enough water to fill over 1,272 Olympic-size swimming pools and has increased the volume of waste recycled, reused and recovered to 75%.
The report also revealed that Dawn Meats has a target of ensuring that it uses an average of 30% recycled content across all plastic by 2025. All the rigid trays currently used by the company now have a recycled content of over 50% and, in certain cases, this is as high as 100%. The company’s modified atmosphere packaging has 30% recycled content and plastic liners and pallet wrap used in the UK contain 30% recycled film.
The report also revealed that the company’s climate target is to reduce Scope 3 emissions intensity by 28% per tonne of finished product by 2030.
This relates to emissions from the sourcing of live cattle and sheep from 30,000 regular farmer suppliers across Ireland and the UK, and other meat products, which account for 95% of Dawn Meats’ total emissions.
From 2018 to 2024, the company achieved a 9% reduction in Scope 3 emissions intensity mainly due to a reduction in the average carbon footprint on the assured farms that supply products to Dawn Meats.
Niall Browne, chief executive of Dawn Meats, said: “At Dawn Meats and Dunbia, we are committed to providing consistent, high quality meat products from sustainable sources to support our rural communities.
“For over 45 years, sustainability has been at the forefront of our operations in Ireland and in the UK. Driven by our commitment of €100 million to the Plan Four Zero strategy, we continue to collaborate with industry and supply chain partners to improve the sustainability of our products and remain competitive in the global marketplace.”
Gill Higgins, sustainability director at Dawn Meats, said: “At Dawn Meats and Dunbia, we are continuously innovating to advance towards our sustainability targets. This report reflects the united efforts of our 8,000 staff members in achieving our shared progress. Our Plan Four Zero strategy ensures our actions remain focused on addressing the most pressing challenges within the industry and work cross functionally to implement the plan. As a business, we are proud of the exceptional teamwork and collaboration which has helped us to execute our sustainability strategy and deliver against our goals.”
Dawn Meats also revealed plans to rollout solar installations at its sites in the UK and Ireland, following the successful installation of solar PV panels at the company’s Irish headquarters in Grannagh, Co Waterford.
