Meadowfresh Foods Sustainability Strategy Carbon Neutral by 2026

As part of our Strategic Business Plan we aim to maximise sustainable practices in our production processes in the following ways:

Supporting biodiversity
Managing water resources
Protecting and enhancing soil health
Contributing to the circular economy
Production of renewable energy

Certification

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Bord Bia’s Origin Green is the world’s only national food and drink sustainability programme, enabling the industry to set and achieve measurable sustainability targets that respect the environment and serve local communities. Origin Green Certification is the standard Meadowfresh Foods uses to fulfil maximum sustainability targets.

Solar Panels

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We have installed a roof mounted 200 KW PV System of solar panels to cover the roof of the existing production premises which will be used to power vegetable storage, production lines and refrigeration and also contribute to the national grid in the longer term.

The solar panels will provide 80% of the factory’s electricity needs - 200,087kw per annum.

Green Energy Targets

Two EV chargers have been installed in our car park for staff and visitors to the factory.

We are currently examining the feasibility of replacing of all company vehicles with EV models.

We are also currently researching the installation of wind turbines on existing buildings.

Import Substitution & Low Food Miles

Through the supply of chipping potatoes, Meadowfresh Foods is offering an import substitute and bringing added food security to the Island of Ireland as an average of 78,242 tonnes of potatoes (2020-2022) were being imported annually from global sources. All chipping potatoes sourced by Meadowfresh Foods are grown within 80km of the factory. 80% of vegetable crops are sourced from Bord Bia approved growers within a 100km radius of the factory.

Smart Energy Meters

We are in the process of installing Smart Energy Meters to maximise the use of the power generated by our solar panels. When power is maximised, the Smart Energy Meters will instruct refridgerators to change temperatures at appropriate times.

Energy Efficient Lighting

60 – 70% of all lighting across the factory in Meadowfresh Foods has been replaced with LED lighting and this will increase to 100% by the end of 2024. Solar lights are being installed to light external areas.

Low Carbon Fridges

All refrigerators throughout the factory have been replaced with low carbon fridges, enabling a direct and immediate reduction of emissions.

Food and Water Waste

All by-products of prepared vegetables, potato and vegetable peel etc are currently transported to farmers to be used for animal feed. Other future food recycling options are being researched.

Onsite water consumption has been significantly reduced throughout our production planning system.

Packaging

Meadowfresh Foods is Repak registered. All packaging we use is fully recyclable and reused where possible. Orders to customers are delivered in recyclable cardboard boxes.