Sustainability Report 2021 - Mash Direct
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Sustainability Report 2021
Sustainability Report
2021
1
Sustainability Report 2021
Contents
05 Foreward
06 Welcome to the new Sustainability Report
08 Environmental Mission Statement
10 Introduction
What is the issue?
12 What have we done so far?
From the Start
The Farm
Policies
Our Packaging
Our Suppliers
Logistics
Our Waste
Our Energy Use
14 What could we do better?
Power
Water
Gas
16 Our current emissions
18 Environmental Pledges
20 Reducing our emissions
Pledges 1 and 2 - Carbon Neutral and Absolute reduction by 2030
Power
Transport
Cooking Efficiencies
Prediction
Carbon Capture
Pledge 3 - Supply Chain Emissions Reductions 2030
Pledge 4 – Clean Water
Pledge 5 – Water Efficiency 2022
Pledge 6 - Zero Waste to Landfill or Incineration
Pledge 7 – Waste Reduction 2030
Pledge 8 – Food Waste 2030
Pledge 9 – Recycled Plastic 2022
Pledge 10 - Single Use Plastic 2030
Pledge 11 – Reduce Food Poverty
Pledge 12 – Supplier Management 2025
Pledge 13 – Sustainable Agriculture 2030
Pledge 14 – Increase Biodiversity 2030
33 Further Environmental Considerations
34 Further UN Sustainable Development Goal Targets
36 Interim Targets for 2021
38 How will we measure our progress?
40 Conclusion
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mashdirect.com Sustainability Report 2021
Foreword
As a sixth generation family farm, Our expertise is in food and farming,
we are dependent on the Earth. not climate science. That is why we will
have our targets and accreditations
From conversations with parents independently verified so that we can
and grandparents around the benchmark where we are now and where
dinner table on climate and we need to get to. From this, we will learn
weather on the farm, we know from best practice, identifying those who
that the climate is changing here have found new and more sustainable
ways of growing and use these learnings
and this is even before we turn on to achieve even more ambitious targets in
the TV and are bombarded with the years to come.
images of the impact of climate
change around the world. We believe that the future will be driven
by consumer choice. With this in mind, we
Things have to change. We have will wear our sustainability credentials on
to change. our packaging to provide full transparency
of how we are performing against our
For Mash Direct, this is not a choice environmental targets, good and bad.
between commercial success and These credentials will be independently
environmental sustainability. It is the verified by Mondra and shown on the
soil, air and water in this corner of front of our packaging with the Foundation
County Down that gives our vegetables Earth traffic light system. Foundation
their fantastic flavours and the current Earth is an independent, non-profit
trajectory shows that we are facing a organisation established to issue front-
climate emergency. of-pack environmental scores on food
products, enabling consumers to make
As a family-owned business, we are able more sustainable buying choices. They
to take a genuinely long-term view on this have brought together expert scientists
rather than solely focusing on short-term and leading figures from food production
profit. At the same time, we need to keep and retail across the UK and EU (European
doing the simple things that we do well: Union) who all share a vision of a future
keeping supply chains short and getting food industry that reduces the negative
vegetables from our farm to your table in impact on Planet Earth.
the shortest and most convenient way.
This isn’t about saving the Earth – as
On top of doing the simple things well, David Attenborough’s ‘A Life on Our
we need to do better in many other ways. Planet’ illustrated, the planet will
We need to become carbon neutral, rejuvenate and remain here long after we
reduce our water intensity and increase are gone. We need to work together to
our biodiversity. This document will be the save ourselves from ourselves. This report
first of our annual Sustainability Reports sets out how we, at Mash Direct, will be a
to set out how we, at Mash Direct, will part of the change that needs to happen.
play our part in achieving these goals.
Martin, Tracy, Lance and Jack Hamilton
Mash Direct
Strangford Lough, County Down
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mashdirect.com Sustainability Report 2021
Welcome
to the new
Sustainability
Report
This report is our starting position not in our interest to make vague claims
and will form the outline of or to ‘green wash’, instead we are striving
to make tangible change to become
future update reports on our more sustainable with the hope that
Sustainability journey. At the end it will also push others to do the same.
of every year, we will measure Where possible, our aims will reflect
and review our performance international guidance and advice, and
against our targets, have these will be independently accredited against
these standards.
assessed independently, and set
new targets for the following year. The science and the technology around
reducing the impact on the climate is
These reports will show our current evolving rapidly. There may be areas
position, what we are doing well, what here where we can make further
we aren’t doing well, what we are doing improvements than predicted or new
to make sure we improve and our aims emerging technologies that we are not
for the future. aware of that could play a crucial role
in driving down our emissions, both of
As a first step, we will set out our which we will adapt to. If you have any
Environmental Pledges, which are linked suggestions on where we can improve
to United Nations (UN) Sustainable further, we would like to hear them. For
Development Goals and climate targets. these suggestions, please use the below
As an Agri-Food business, we are directly email: sustainability@mashdirect.com
connected to our environment and
therefore one of the greatest risks is the Adam Patton
developing climate crisis. As a result, it is Sustainability Manager, Mash Direct
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mashdirect.com Sustainability Report 2021
Environmental
Mission Statement 7. Waste Reduction 2030
We pledge by 2030 to substantially
reduce the waste from the factory
through prevention, reduction,
12. Supplier Management 2025
To promote and screen all suppliers on
their environmental impact through
use of our Environmentally Preferred
recycling and reusing. UN Sustainable Purchasing policy. UN Sustainable
Development Goal 12.5. Development Goal 12.7
Our headline Environmental through use of our Environmentally
Mission Statement is for the Preferred Purchasing Policy and will work
with suppliers to enable them to become
factory and farm to be net zero more environmentally friendly.
by 2030 but this is not the whole
picture. Below we have detailed
8. Food Waste 2030 13. Sustainable Agriculture 2030
the aims of all our environmental The business model of Mash Direct Mash Direct is committed to the protection
pledges which are in reference to significantly reduces food waste. of our land. We therefore pledge to
the UN Sustainable Development 4. Clean Water Pledge 2022 However we will strive to further reduce continue to ensure sustainable food
Goals and local environmental food losses in production and our supply production systems and implement
We pledge that we will work to prevent
aims. Each pledge will be further chains by 50% by 2030. UN Sustainable resilient agricultural practices that
any reduction in local water quality as a
Development Goal 12.3. increase productivity and production.
expanded on in its own section. result of farm run off, as well as remaining
We do this to help maintain ecosystems,
within all water consent levels as agreed
to strengthen capacity for adaptation
with local authorities. UN Sustainable
to climate change, extreme weather,
Development Goals 6.3 and 14.1.
drought, flooding and other natural
disasters, and to progressively improve
9. Recycled Plastic 2022 land and soil quality. UN Sustainable
1. Carbon Neutral by 2030 All plastic packaging purchased to Development Goal 2.4.
Under the Paris Agreement, the EU is include at least 30% recycled material
aiming to be carbon neutral by 2050. We and alternatives to be promoted.
believe that we need to act faster than 5. Increase Water Use
this and pledge that we will be carbon Efficiency 2023
neutral by 2030. We recognise that we are a high water
user on-site. We therefore pledge to 14. Increase Biodiversity 2030
develop up to 70% water recycling to To improve biodiversity across the site
limit our demand on the local water 10. Single Use Plastic 2030 through rewilding projects and soil
table by 2030. To help with this, we will We acknowledge that single use plastic is sequestration. We will continue to rewild
increase the rain water captured on-site. present in current shipping methods namely the land to form woodlands and wildflower
2. Absolute Emissions UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.4. for wrapping pallets. We pledge to reduce meadows. Mash Direct will not contribute
Reduction 2030 this where possible and remove it and other to any deforestation at our site or
Simply offsetting our emissions is not single use plastics from the waste stream. through our supply chain. UN Sustainable
enough. We will aim to half our emissions Development Goals 15.1 and 15.2.
produced by 2030 in line with Science
Based Targets.
6. Zero Waste to Landfill and
Incineration 2022
Mash Direct pledges to be a Zero Waste 11. Reduce Food Poverty
to Landfill and Incineration site as we aim To continue to reduce food poverty by
to prevent methane emissions. We are donating excess stock and products that
3. Supply Chain Emissions currently Zero to Landfill, but we recognise could go to waste to local food banks.
Reductions 2030 that this includes use of Energy From UN Sustainable Development Goal 2.1.
We pledge, on top of pledges 1 and 2, Waste incineration, which we will eliminate.
that we will track and reduce our Scope UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.4.
3 emissions throughout our supply chain
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mashdirect.com Sustainability Report 2021
Currently the average CO2 in the first time, a wildfire starting on the edge
Introduction
atmosphere is at 417.14 ppm (March 2021), of our land and we were devastated
a 50% increase compared to the 1750- at the sight of wildfires in the Mourne
1800 average. The highest daily value Mountains which we could see from the
of 421.21 ppm was on the 3rd April 2021. factory in April 2021.
The last time it was at this level occured
between 2.6 and 5.3 million years ago. To In order to measure success, the Paris
At Mash Direct we firmly believe Since the industrial revolution, the world
Agreement has set out emissions targets
has emitted over 1,500,000,000,000 put that in perspective, humans didn’t
in the world’s need to live more exist and there were trees in Antarctica. and individual countries have pledged to
tonnes of CO2. This is still increasing
sustainably and a first step and even 2020’s global lockdown barely Back then, changes happened over become carbon neutral by 2050. The UN
needs to be taken by all of us tens of thousands of years but we have states that to keep global temperature
slowed this down – 31.5 Gt of CO2, higher
negatively impacted the atmosphere to rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius we now
now. The extent and speed of than any year pre-2011.
this extent in just a few hundred years need to reduce global emissions by 7.6%
the change will not be easy but annually over the next decade. This
The Paris Agreement says we need to with the greatest emissions increase
without it we will have no fields taking place in the past 50 years. simply isn’t happening right now.
limit a rise in temperature by 1.5 degrees
to grow in and no water to Celsius versus preindustrial times by the Scientists have been warning the world
produce with. for decades but, as shown by recent The opportunity to prevent climate
turn of the century to prevent a global
weather events, this is no longer what change has already past and the tipping
crisis. We are currently looking at 4.1 - 4.8
might happen, it has become what is point when it turns from mitigation to
degrees Celsius in a worst-case scenario.
happening. To limit the effects of climate adaptation is coming up. The IPCC
What is the issue?
change and the 6th mass extinction (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
event, it is down to us as individuals and Change) has agreed we have until 2030
“Right now, we are facing a man-made disaster of global scale. collectively to reduce our emissions and
reduce waste.
to prevent irreversible change.
Our greatest threat in thousands of years, climate change. “The best time to plant a tree was
If we don’t take action, the collapse of our civilisations and the We have seen the effects of climate
20 years ago. The second best
extinction of much of the natural world is on the horizon.
” change directly on our farm – three
years ago we had to invest in irrigation
equipment for the first time ever. Already
time is now.” - Chinese Proverb.
Sir David Attenborough
this year we have seen one of the driest So far we have planted over 5,000 trees
spells for this time of year and we may across our farm and factory and this
Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Warning Scenarios need to irrigate our fields earlier than number continues to grow.
- Each pathway comes with uncertainity, marked by the shading from low to high emissions under each scenario.
- Warming refers to the expected global temperature rise by 2100, relative to pre-industrial temperatures.
ever before. We also experienced, for the
150 Gt
Annual Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions No Climate Policies Annual Total CO2 Emissions, by World Region
in gigatonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalents 4.1-4.8°C
- expected emissions in a baseline This measures CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and cement production only - land use change is not included.
scenario if countries had not
implemented climate reduction policies.
35 billion t International
transport
Oceania
100 Gt Asia (excl. China
30 billion t
& India)
25 billion t
China
Current Policies 20 billion t
50Gt 2.8-3.2°C
- emissions with current climate
policies in place result in warming of
2.8 to 3.2°C by 2100. 15 billion t India
Africa
Greenhouse gas emissions Pledges & Targets South America
10 billion t
up to the present 2.5-2.8°C
- emissions if all countries delivered on United States
reduction pledges result in warming of
2.5 to 2.8°C by 2100. 5 billion t
EU-27
0 2.8°C Pathways Europe (excl.
EU-27)
1.5°C Pathways 0t United Kingdom
1990 1800 1850 1900 1950 2000 2019
1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2080 2090 2100
Source: Our World in Data based on the Global Carbon Project. Note: ‘Statitistical differences’ included in the GCP dataset is not included here.
Data source: Climate Action Tracker (based on national policies and pledges as of December 2019). OurWorldinData.org - Research and data OurWorldinData.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions CC BY
to make progress against the world’s largest problems. Licensed under CC-BY by the authors Hannah Ritchie & Max Roser.
Figure 2 – Global Annual Total CO2 Emissions
Figure 1 – Global Warming Scenarios
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mashdirect.com Sustainability Report 2021
What have we
All cardboard purchased is FCS
certified, meaning it is all obtained
from a sustainable source.
done so far?
Policies Moving forward we have developed an
We are committed to actively reducing Environmental Preferred Purchasing Policy
our greenhouse emissions and voluntarily which will help us to continue to improve our
participate in the Government’s Climate supply chain’s impact on the environment.
Change Agreements (CCAs). We consistently
meet and exceed targets for carbon
reduction through a range of energy
efficiency measures.
Logistics
To further limit our supply chain emissions,
Mash Direct has a No Air Freight Policy.
Although the majority of our supply is
From the Start... One of Mash Direct’s greatest strengths Our Packaging local, we do export to the whole of the UK
is that there are virtually zero food miles In 2019 we set ourselves a challenge to and countries abroad via road freight.
One of the early successes of Mash Direct
from our farm to our factory. This is a “Go More Green!” by changing to green
was to reduce food waste from the farm
unique position and we make full use of it. and clear recyclable trays and removing
to the table. Martin Hamilton, the founder
Due to the expansion of the company, we over 240 tonnes of black plastic, which
of the company and a fifth generation
occasionally need to source from further normally end up in landfill, from the food
farmer, observed how customers were
afield but we are proud to support local system annually.
behaving around vegetables on the
shelves in their supermarket. Vegetable farmers as much as possible. Currently Our Waste
over 70% of our vegetables come from less All our food containers and cardboard Currently we are a zero-landfill site and we
consumption was in decline and food
than 200 miles away from the factory with sleeves are widely recycled, but as with have developed a company-wide recycling
waste on the farm was rising as changing
60% coming from less than 50 miles. most food packaging we do use plastic scheme to better capture all waste for
consumer behaviours meant that ‘ugly’
films, to reduce food waste, which is recycling. All waste is compacted on-
vegetables were being left behind on
not commonly recycled despite being site to reduce millage and improve ease
shelves for purely aesthetic reasons.
possible to. As a result, we are focused of collection.
This then meant that the shops were
on reducing our consumption of all
requesting only to be supplied with nice
types of plastic and in particular plastic We have reduced the amount of chemicals
looking vegetables rather than selecting
film, and currently sit on the Northern used on-site for cleaning through
varieties for taste. Martin realised that The Farm sustainable management. We also
Ireland Food and Drink Association
by growing varieties for taste and then We have a significant number of
(NIFDA) Packaging Forum and are use non-toxic B Corp certified office
preparing them on the farm, he would sustainability practices in place on the
looking for solutions to the materials cleaning supplies.
create a much nicer dish as well as farm already. Currently our crops are
that are still difficult to recycle. All
reducing food waste. Mash Direct was rotated to ensure the land and soil has
plastic purchased for use in our trays To reduce our demand on the water network
born and there was no more throwing time to recover between each harvest
also contains at least 30% recycled we have developed direct water harvesting
out of ‘ugly’ veg to comply with beauty and we have a strong track record of
content and we are seeking to increase on-site from our roofs and collect from our
standards! As a result, we were able to developing rewilding areas of the farm.
this across all lines. farmland through the use of a borehole.
use much more of the harvest as well as Reinstating hedgerows and replanting
We are aiming to further reduce the latter.
growing varieties for their taste rather ancient woodland, such as our millennium
For our sleeves - our supplier utilises
than for their appearance. Furthermore, wood project all play their part in
vegetable-based ink and low quantities
this had the added benefit of improving increasing biodiversity across the farm.
of non-toxic glue, reducing the
biodiversity on the farm as we didn’t have
environmental impact of our packaging,
to conform to narrow standards. Our farm has received Red Tractor
and source reducing the amount of
Assurance, demonstrating our commitment
material required per an item supplied. Our Energy Use
“2.2 GIGATONNES CO2 equivalent is to the highest standards of farming,
Through efficiency projects and culture
the overall carbon footprint of farm environmental protection of our land and
changes we are reducing our energy
stage food waste – approximately 4% ensuring veg supplied to the factory is
intensity and subsequent carbon emissions
of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas from a sustainable source.
per kg of end product produced. We will
(GHG) emissions and 16% of agricultural further drive down our demand and
emissions. This is equivalent to the On-site we have no heated greenhouses,
all our food is grown as sustainably and
Our Suppliers emissions through projects detailed in
emissions from 75% of all cars driven in Since 2016 all of our products have Zero this report.
the US and Europe over a year.” as naturally as possible using techniques
Palm Oil and will never contribute to
handed down across the generations.
deforestation, instead helping to fund
- WWF ‘Driven to Waste’ Report.
initiatives to replant.
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mashdirect.com Sustainability Report 2021
What
could we In the past, we have had a number
of pollution events that have been
attributed either directly to the company
recurrence. Since this point, we have
received no non-conformances outside
of the planned works notice despite a
do better?
or via those who supply to us. Although spike in volumes during the Covid-19
these are outside the timeline of this global pandemic. This demonstrates that
report, it is important to acknowledge the new system is robust and can cope
them here so that we can reflect on the with increased demand and high levels
lessons learned and ensure that there of volume.
are no repeat occurrences.
So much machinery in the food
We have had a number of challenges manufacturing world is designed to pulp
There are areas of the business where we need to do better so over the years in dealing with our and over-process food and as a result,
wastewater. In 2011 a septic tank was we set about designing and making
that we can achieve our ambitious sustainability targets. Our
damaged in construction and leaked. We bespoke machinery ourselves that
annual sustainability reports will outline what we are doing have since implemented Construction would essentially scale up a kitchen at
well, as well as the areas where we believe that we can do Environmental Management Plans which home and ensure the taste and texture
better. Our ambition is to highlight where we need help so that are independently verified to ensure that of homemade food. Having designed
we can work collaboratively with others to achieve our goals. there will be no reoccurrence of this. our own processes, we struggled to find
water experts who are independently
In 2013, we had a serious incident when accredited and experienced in working
We are working to reduce our emissions Power runoff from a supplier farm leached into in plant-based food manufacturing sites.
not only in Scope 1 and 2 (which are Our cookers and mashers use power the local river. This resulted in a fish kill For example, the high level of starches
those produced through controlled which is supplied mainly through our grid in the river. We hired two environmental that come from washing potatoes and
operations of the business, for example connection. Due to the makeup of the grid companies to restore the fish stocks to leafy greens in particular have been a
power used on-site or diesel emissions in Northern Ireland, emissions are higher prior levels and introduced new policies challenge. However, we strongly believe
from our tractors) but also in Scope 3 than competitors in the UK where wind and with our key suppliers to ensure that in home grown vegetables as well as
(in our supply chain). We are the farm nuclear are bringing down emissions. this would never happen again. Since home grown talent and we now have
as well as the factory which gives us this date, works have been completed two full time members of staff who are
greater ability to reduce emissions from Water and additional policies have been put experts in vegetables and waste water
the field to the table. This is unlike other We steam cook our vegetables to in place to prevent any further pollution as well as three full-time staff trained
businesses which can push the supply ensure that they retain as much of their events in this area and there have not in our wastewater treatment works.
chain emissions from farms into Scope nutritional value as possible. Between been any repeat incidents of this nature They work tirelessly to improve the
3, reducing their direct emissions but the steam cooking and the washing of since 2013. sustainability of the site as a whole and
overall likely producing a higher impact the vegetables, we use quite a lot of our water footprint specifically.
on the environment . To be classed as water. As a result, we have the potential We had a number of occasions in 2018
carbon neutral, Scope 1 and 2 need to to create a high demand on the local when our wastewater was outside of Gas
be eliminated or offset. However, we are water table in summer months as summer the consent levels set by the local water Gas is a relatively clean energy source
not looking to ‘greenwash’, so we are rainfall continues to decrease, even in the authority and this led to the company and is our main energy source on-site.
accounting for all emissions and will push traditionally wet Northern Ireland. receiving a fine. Since this time, we have This is due to the factory requiring large
to reduce our Scope 3 emissions as well invested over £2.27m in our wastewater quantities of heat, to produce steam and
and encourage others to do the same. treatment to not only remove the chance heat cooking oil. Currently the method
of this happening now, but also to allow does result in lost heat and inefficiencies.
for future growth without the risk of The most evident of this is the large
amount of steam lost to the atmosphere.
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mashdirect.com Sustainability Report 2021
Our current
emissions
On-site we are constantly It is our hope that through publishing this Our CO2 prediction has been conducted of diesel generators as a backup on-
expanding and as a result our report of intent we will encourage others to analyse the energy demand of each site. Further breakdown of our emissions
to do the same. Due to our continued fuel source and how this has increased across all Scopes can be found below.
emissions have been rising. To growth our emissions have grown since from the baseline year. As each demand As discussed, this will be higher than
better understand our impact we our baseline year of 2019 and if we did has increased at different rates and each competitors for Scope 1 and 2 emissions
have recently implemented an nothing they would continue to grow at fuel produces varying levels of CO2 per as we include farm and factory. Also, due
Environmental Management System the assumed same rate before plateauing kWh, we believe this is the most accurate to the seasonal nature of farm activity,
and tracker which we started as shown below. The Well Below 2 method of predicting our emissions growth. this results in large jumps in transport
degrees Celsius (WB20C) and 1.5 degrees emissions, particularly during planting
benchmarking from in January Celsius (1.50C) Target lines have been Below is a further breakdown of CO2 and harvesting. In the next section we
2019. While our business model of calculated in reference to the Science produced by each fuel source per month. will discuss our aims for reducing all
sourcing our vegetables from our Based Targets program. This focuses on As explained, our greatest fuel source emissions sources.
family farm or local farmers means Scope 1 and 2 emissions which we can and therefore emissions source is Gas.
that the food miles are low, by directly control. Further targets of aiming However, when compared to other
to reduce Scope 3 emissions will be sources it has comparably low emissions
measuring our carbon footprint we discussed in its own section. per kWh. Our highest emissions per kWh
have identified a large number of used is Electricity, particularly the use
areas where we can improve.
CO2 Breakdown
500 0.65
Overall CO2 Prediction
0.55
6000 400
0.45
CO2 per production ratio
5000
300
CO2 Tonnes
4000 0.35
CO2 Tonnes
3000 200 0.25
2000
0.15
100
1000
0.05
0 0
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
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2037
2038
2039
2040
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec
Jan
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Mains Electric Gas Generators Farm Fuel
Total Do Nothing WB20C Target Half CO2
Factory fuel Waste Water Supply Water Treatment
CO2 Prediction 1.50C Target
Electric Offsetting Total Savings CO2 Kg Per Kg
Transmission Produced
Figure 3 – Scope 1 and 2 Mash Direct CO2 Emissions Prediction
Figure 4 – Environmental Management CO2 Breakdown
16 17
mashdirect.com Sustainability Report 2021
Environmental
Pledges 7. Waste Reduction 2030
We pledge by 2030 to substantially
reduce the waste from the factory
12. Supplier Management 2025
To promote and screen all suppliers on
their environmental impact through
through prevention, reduction, use of our Environmentally Preferred
As previously mentioned, our 3 emissions throughout our supply chain recycling and reusing. UN Sustainable Purchasing policy. UN Sustainable
headline Environmental Mission through use of our Environmentally Development Goal 12.5. Development Goal 12.7
Preferred Purchasing Policy and will work
Statement is for the factory and with suppliers to enable them to become
farm to be net zero by 2030, but more environmentally friendly.
this is not the whole picture. In
this section we have restated
our Environmental Pledges which 13. Sustainable Agriculture 2030
have been written into company 8. Food Waste 2030 Mash Direct is committed to the
The business model of Mash Direct protection of our land. We therefore
policy, before further explaining 4. Clean Water Pledge 2022 significantly reduces food waste. pledge to continue to ensure sustainable
each in our next section. Each We pledge that we will work to prevent However we will strive to further reduce food production systems and implement
pledge is linked to UN Sustainable any reduction in local water quality as a food losses in production and our supply resilient agricultural practices that
Development Goals, scientific result of farm run off, as well as remaining chains by 50% by 2030. UN Sustainable increase productivity and production,
advice or government targets within all water consent levels as agreed Development Goal 12.3. that help maintain ecosystems, that
with local authorities. UN Sustainable strengthen capacity for adaptation
and are aimed at promoting Development Goals 6.3 and 14.1. to climate change, extreme weather,
tangible change for both the drought, flooding and other disasters
factory and farm. and that progressively improve land and
soil quality. UN Sustainable Development
Goal 2.4.
5. Increase Water Use 9. Recycled Plastic 2022
Efficiency 2023 All plastic packaging purchased to
1. Carbon Neutral by 2030 We recognise that we are a high-water include at least 30% recycled material
Under the Paris Agreement, the EU is user on-site. We therefore pledge to and alternatives to be promoted.
aiming to be carbon neutral by 2050. We develop up to 70% water recycling to
believe that we need to act faster than limit our demand on the local water 14. Increase Biodiversity 2030
this and pledge that we will be carbon table by 2030. To help with this, we will To improve biodiversity across the site
neutral by 2030. increase the rain water captured on-site. through rewilding projects and soil
UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.4. sequestration. Rewilding of land to form
10. Single Use Plastic 2030 woodland and wildflower meadows to
We acknowledge that single use plastic continue. Mash Direct will not contribute
is present in current shipping methods to any deforestation at our site or
2. Absolute Emissions namely for wrapping pallets. We pledge through our supply chain. UN Sustainable
Reduction 2030 to reduce this where possible and Development Goals 15.1 and 15.2
Simply offsetting our emissions is not 6. Zero Waste To Landfill remove it and other single use plastics
enough. We will aim to half our emissions and Incineration 2022 from the waste stream.
produced by 2030 in line with Science Mash Direct pledges to be a Zero Waste
Based Targets. to Landfill and Incineration site as we aim
to prevent methane emissions. We are
currently Zero to Landfill, but we recognise
that this includes use of Energy From
Waste incineration, which we will eliminate.
3. Supply Chain Emissions UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.4. 11. Reduce Food Poverty
Reductions 2030 To continue to reduce food poverty by
We pledge, on top of pledges 1 and 2, donating excess stock and products that
that we will track and reduce our Scope could go to waste to local food banks.
UN Sustainable Development Goal 2.1.
18 19mashdirect.com Sustainability Report 2021
Reducing
our
Pledges 1 and 2: Carbon Neutral Power
and Absolute Reduction by 2030. Currently the majority of electricity on-
site is sourced directly from the grid and
Pledges 1 and 2 states that we will aim is backed up with several generators
which run due to the limited capacity of
emissions
to be both carbon neutral and halve our
absolute emissions by 2030. To achieve the connector. To reduce our emissions
this, first we had to know our current the generators will be phased out during
energy usage, impact and any trends. factory expansion and will be replaced
We therefore have developed a new by improved grid connection and a
Environmental Management System range of renewable energy production
(EMS) that has been back dated to 2019. sources across the site.
Currently this system provides overall
energy usage and emissions per month, –2
021 Efficiency improvements –
To achieve these pledges,significant however there are several flaws with To assist in the reduction of power
changes will need to be conducted the system due to this, such as limited demand, efficiency improvements are
information. To improve our energy to be investigated and developed. For
by the business in all areas of our
tracking, we are developing a site-wide example, in February the remainder
operations. In this section we will of lights across the factory were
tracking system that will allow for live
detail how we are going to improve and more accurate measurement of the converted to LEDs saving 82,246 kWhs
moving forward towards each of the energy usage on-site. This system will per a year or over 27 tonnes of CO2.
goals laid out. assist us in identifying when and where –2
021 Live power tracking - This will allow
there are potentials for energy savings us to better plan and implement changes.
in real time instead of overall usage a –R
enewable energy – Currently
month later. investigations are being conducted on
the following renewable energy sources
Becoming carbon neutral comes with that would significantly reduce the grid
several challenges. First we need to requirement and therefore emissions
reduce our CO2 output per kg produced for energy usage on-site.
by making improvements on-site and – 2021 Heat capture – There is a
then offsetting any residual emissions. significant potential for capturing
Although this is not an unachievable the heat currently being lost to the
goal, we will first focus on carbon atmosphere post cooking as steam is
reduction projects on-site. Simply vented through our roofs. To do this,
offsetting or greenwashing is not a condenser units and heat exchangers
sustainable choice in the long term, we are being investigated to allow us to
must first reduce our emissions at the pre heat the water entering our boiler
source. This is why we have included the and reduce the energy needed to
second pledge to reduce our absolute bring it to boil. A further benefit is that
emissions by half by 2030. this water has the potential to be fed
back into our water tanks or be used
For our on-site reduction we will be for washing, reducing our demand on
signing up to Science Based Targets the water table.
for SMEs. Through this we are pledging – 2022 Solar Energy – We will install
to reduce our overall emissions inline more solar panels on-site to reduce
with the Paris Accord 1.5 degree Celsius the energy load of our vegetable
target, by at least 4.2% a year and will cold stores. This will reduce our
half our absolute emissions by 2030. This dependency on mains electricity.
is a huge ask, especially as the company – 2022 Solar thermal – To be
will continue to grow but we believe investigated for preheat and heat
it is the right thing to do for us and exchange to the boiler feed on top
the environment. Below is our current of previous heat capture. New and
projection of how we aim to do this. emerging combined solar technology
to be included.
20 21mashdirect.com Sustainability Report 2021
– 2022 Mains Electric Green Tariff – reduce this, a move to low cardon fleet
Bio fuel Usage
We will change our mains connection is recommended. kWh Prediction
to a green tariff, with the aim of Mash White with EV
reducing our Scope 2 emissions. –2
024 Electric Vehicles – All office 16M
Mash Red with BIO
Due to the current makeup of the and sales vehicles that currently use Farm White with EV
grid in Northern Ireland, which is white diesel to be converted to EVs Farm red with Bio
heavily reliant on coal, our electricity by 2024. This will include sales cars 14M
Solar thermal
consumption results in higher and small vans, our first charge points
Steam Capture
emissions per a standard mains kWh have already been installed on-site.
compared the rest of the U.K. In a Recommendation to investigate the 12M Gas with Savings
best case scenario, all of our electric use of EV vans through a trial. Additional Solar
will be sourced from renewable –2
030 Farm white diesel – All farm Solar
sources from 2022. vehicles currently using white diesel to 10M
Wind
–2 022 Biogas – This is the predicted be converted to EV.
Predicted
date for our local Anaerobic Digestor –2
035 Farm Red diesel – All farm Generatos
being allowed to export biogas vehicles using red diesel to be 8M
Green Mains
direct to the national grid. Once converted to low carbon sources. Electrical Final
able, we will change our gas tariff to –C
urrent policy of No Air Freight to Mains Current Tariff
buy the equivalent of this gas from be continued. 6M
Measured Mash
the grid reducing our emissions from White
our boilers further. Cooking Efficiencies Measured Mash Red
–2 023 Wind Energy – Wind energy In Figure 6, a considerable proportion of 4M Measured Farm
White
in Northern Ireland has significant the residual emissions are from our use of
potential but does have a more Gas for cooking which will be particularly Measured Farm Red
difficult route to installation with difficult to eliminate. However, as the 2M Measured Gas
longer planning phases. To assist factory is expanding, we are also Measured
with planning, a feasibility study has Generators
developing our cooking techniques
been completed and a wind viability and investing in more energy efficient 0 Measured Electric
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 2039 2040 Mains
survey is due to be conducted and equipment, to further help reduce
will give assurances on the impacts emissions across the site. Figure 5 – kWh prediction based on roadmap
to the surrounding area. Due to
the land close to the factory being In the future, as we move towards the 2030
part of the farm, a viable location target, we predict that gas will be the CO2 Prediction
is expected to be available but largest source of our residual emissions, 6000
consideration will be given to both by amount and per kWh. We Transport Bio fuel
neighbouring properties. Once therefore may need to further decarbonise Transport fuel
complete, the Wind Turbine will be our cooking methods by electrifying where Cooking Gas
5000
able to supply base load power to possible and powering this through on-site Generators
the plant reducing emissions. Further renewable energy generation. Electric
recommendation to use a refurbished
4000 Measured Trash
turbine that would otherwise be Prediction Transport Fuel
decommissioned per reduced waste As shown using past data and the Measured Farm
aims below. Wind power also has the increases of individual fuel sources, we
Transport Fuel
potential to charge battery storage can predict our ”do-nothing” scenario
3000
Measured Gas
or potentially produce Hydrogen where energy demand will continue Measured
during low demand which can further to grow at the same rates before
Generators
offset power demand. plateauing. When we include the
2000
Measured Electric
Mains
–2 024 Further expansion of Solar – roadmap outlined above, we can predict
Expansion of our solar system to the effects of individual projects against
WB 2.0 Target
cover all available roofs will further this scenario and our overall energy
1000 1.5 Target
reduce our demand on the grid. demand for a given future year. From this Half CO2
we have used UK Government standards Total Do Nothing
Transport on emissions to determine our reductions
0
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 2039 2040
As shown, transport does contribute in comparison to our pledges. Predictions
a considerable proportion of our CO2 shown on the next page. Figure 6 – Future emissions prediction based on
emissions across a given year. To roadmap energy demand.
22 23mashdirect.com Sustainability Report 2021
Carbon Capture • Rewilding – Mash Direct already has
It is highly unlikely that the factory will a proud track record of replanting
be able to run fully off zero emissions forest land, which will be further
resources in the foreseeable future, as tracked and the CO2 inset will be
previously shown, therefore steps will included. Additional planting will
be taken to offset the carbon produced also be continued to further increase
in the running of the plant. This is not our carbon capture. Promotion of
included in the budget above but will be hedgerows across the site also to
in reference to it. be included.
• WasteWater Sludge Carbon
– Offsetting – Funding of carbon Capture – Currently a project
capture schemes across the globe to is being investigated to use the
be included and budgeted for on the sludge produced by the wastewater
basis of the carbon prediction. 100% treatment plant as a carbon capture
of residual emissions to be offset from device, the end product of which
2025. We predict this will be 1,424 will be high quality and low impact
tonnes of CO2 in 2025 reducing to 529 fertiliser. Project to be in partnership
tonnes by 2035. with academia. If viable, this will
– Insetting – Carbon captured on- further boost our insetting and reduce
site. Due to the nature of the our predicted offsetting requirement.
interconnection of farm and factory,
carbon stored through normal
operation and capture methods will
also be included.
• Agriculture Capture – Due to the
nature of our business, during normal
operations carbon is captured
and returned to the soil through
crop growth, known as carbon
sequestration. Samples will be taken
across our farm to determine the
carbon stored per Ha. This will then
be used to track changes in stored
carbon and therefore be used to
determine our carbon insetting
moving forward.
24 25mashdirect.com Sustainability Report 2021
Pledge 3 - Supply Chain Pledge 4 – Clean Water Pledge 5 – Water Efficiency 2022 2. Recycling – As mentioned we currently
Emissions Reductions 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goal UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.4 - are redeveloping our on-site water
So far, we have largely focused on 6.3 - By 2030, improve water quality by By 2030, substantially increase water-use treatment works to improve our water
Scope 1 and 2 emissions as these are reducing pollution, eliminating dumping efficiency across all sectors and ensure quality. In phase two of these works
the ones under our control and are and minimising release of hazardous sustainable withdrawals and supply of we are aiming to implement a water
the primary target of all emissions chemicals and materials, halving the freshwater to address water scarcity recycling facility where 70% of the
reduction goals. However, these are proportion of untreated wastewater and and substantially reduce the number of final effluent water can be retained
not the only emissions that we are substantially increasing recycling and people suffering from water scarcity. on-site and repurposed for use across
ultimately responsible for, and we must safe reuse globally. the factory and farm, significantly
therefore look to reduce the emissions Currently on-site the majority of our reducing our dependence on bore hole
generated in our supply chain both up UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.1 - water comes from a borehole located and mains water supply. The remaining
and downstream. All Scope 3 emissions By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce in our farm. Although this is effectively water will be returned to treatment or
are currently being developed and will marine pollution of all kinds, in particular a rainwater capture method we through the sewer network.
be added to the EMS for the purposes of from land-based activities, including acknowledge that the amount of water 3. R
ain Water Capture – Due to the
tracking and reduction. marine debris and nutrient pollution. we take from the local water table may size of the factory there is significant
become unsustainable as seasonal rain potential for rainwater capture.
As our main supplier is the family farm, As detailed previously in this report we patterns become more disrupted. We are This can be used directly for non-
the emissions are already captured in have had issues with waste water from therefore improving our water efficiency production purposes such as wash
Scopes 1 and 2. However some supply the site both in regards to unsuitably as detailed below. water or can be treated and used
does come from further afield which we treated wastewater and run off. To as part of the whole factory supply
will aim to reduce and where we cannot, combat this we have invested over 1. Reduction – Through our EMS system we further reducing demand. All new
we will work with suppliers to reduce £2.27m in our water treatment works to are tracking the amount of water used factory roofs will include rain water
resulting emissions. develop a state-of-the-art system that and will incorporate all water meters into capture, including the extension
can automatically treat and analyse the the new live tracker, which will provide currently being built.
We do buy in large volumes of plastic water. All run off is also to be prevented us with up-to-date information that will 4. Steam Capture – Currently the
which we will aim to reduce as per by the creation and management of allow us to better understand our water steam generated on-site is lost to
pledges 7 and 8. Downstream, our catchment areas. All water is and will usage and reduce the amount required the environment resulting in wasted
emissions come through the distribution continue to be treated to a quality for operations. energy and water lost. To prevent
of our products. As a result, we have comparable to our source water. this a heat exchange and condenser
implemented a No-Fly Policy to reduce system is to be investigated. This will
emissions. We will continue to cut further reduce our emissions through
this through demanding sustainable reducing demand on the heating
practices by all distributors. system and water usage as steam
currently lost will be diverted to
Through our water recycling project, we treatment for reuse.
will also reduce 36 tonnes of water Scope
3 Emissions per year.
Increase in on-site renewable energy
production will further reduce our Scope
3 electric transmission emissions.
26 27mashdirect.com Sustainability Report 2021
Pledge 6 - Zero Waste to Landfill –T o reduce carbon emissions - our Pledge 7 – Waste Reduction 2030 Pledge 9 – Recycled Plastic 2022
or Incineration on-site biomass boiler has been UN Sustainable Development Goal Currently the majority of our purchased
UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.4 decommissioned. This has had a 12.5 - By 2030, substantially reduce plastic packaging, including all trays,
- By 2020, achieve the environmentally knock-on effect resulting in higher waste generation through prevention, contains at least 30% recycled content.
sound management of chemicals and waste volumes leaving our site reduction, recycling and reuse. We are therefore investigating methods
all wastes throughout their life cycle, in for recycling. to increase this including having bio
accordance with agreed international –T o reduce carbon miles of our waste Where pledge 6 looks to increase recycling drop-ins and alternatives to reduce our
frameworks, and significantly reduce - all streams leaving our site will be and prevent waste from ending up at a demand on virgin fossil fuel plastics.
their release to air, water and soil in order compacted. This includes our new land ffill site we must also focus on the
to minimise their adverse impacts on dedicated cardboard compactor reduction of overall waste and improve
human health and the environment. which has increased our collection of policies to limit wastage overall. Pledges 7 Pledge 10 - Single Use
the waste stream and a new mixed and 9 will feed into this reduction.
recycling compactor which will collect
Plastic 2030
We recognise that in food production it is Single use plastic is a signifficant issue
impossible to have zero waste. As landfill all other waste for easier sorting and a Waste to be reduced through with regards to waste across the globe
waste is the most carbon intensive, it is reduction in EFW. supplier packaging engagement and and we contribute to this. Therefore
one of our targets to reduce this. Currently – Food waste - Food waste that is factory eficiencies. we are investigating options to reduce
our waste is taken from site by a third- suitable for human consumption is
plastics on-site.
party contractor for sorting and some of to be donated to food banks, for
this waste does end up being used at an example cooked mashed potato with a Pledge 8 – Food Waste 2030 – Plastic wrap alternatives – Option to
Energy From Waste (EFW) plant. packaging issue. While this is done to a UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 use alternative reusable pallet wraps
degree, in some instances, food waste is - By 2030, halve per capita global food for local deliveries as a ffirst trial.
– Recycling - A new recycling system has present in other waste streams. As part waste at the retail and consumer levels – Long haul pallet wrap - We are
been developed to divert waste from of the new recycling system all food and reduce food losses along production currently investigating a transition to
landfill and EFW which will be tracked waste to be removed and separated and supply chains, including post- biodegradable alternatives. This will
to provide evidence of the on-site to protect the recycling streams and to harvest losses. include an initial trial.
usage of different waste streams. increase donations.
–R eduction in waste - Any reduction Currently on-site all of our peelings from Due to the nature of the business
from the site will have a knock-on the factory are used locally for animal and the desire to avoid food waste,
effect to Scope 3 CO2 emissions. feed. Recently we have developed a packaging volume is a signifficant
new tracking system which will weigh challenge in regards to plastics. we are
in all arrivals at the factory and can source reducing plastics in our supply
then be compared to the weight of chain and investigating alternatives that
ffinal product to determine the level of can reduce our dependency.
food waste. Once established this can
determine the lines with the greatest Any reduction in unrecyclable single use
wastage and reduction measures can plastic on-site will also reduce items sent
be implemented. to EFW plants and Scope 3 emissions.
28 29mashdirect.com Sustainability Report 2021
Pledge 11 – Reduce Food Poverty their food. We supply to supermarkets
UN Sustainable Development Goal 2.1 - that cater to every section of our society
By 2030, end hunger and ensure access and it is our belief that environmental
by all people, in particular the poor and benefits will only be realised if they are
people in vulnerable situations, including achieved through making vegetables
infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient affordable and convenient. This is the
food all year round. only way that we can make sustainability
scalable from our family farm.
Although we cannot send our food
across the globe to help all people end
hunger, we can help those local to us. Pledge 12 – Supplier
Currently, we do donate to local food Management 2025
banks and will increase this through UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.7
better capture of lost product and - Promote public procurement practices
excess stock. that are sustainable, in accordance with
national policies and priorities.
As part of our commitment to reduce
food poverty, we have partnered with A significant factor in the sustainability
charity partner FareShare to tackle of Mash Direct is rolling out good
food poverty in Northern Ireland. We practice to our supply base. We are
have donated more than 190,000 therefore currently reviewing our supplier
meals to disadvantaged people via our engagement policies. This will include
partnership with FareShare. The climate the requirement of sustainable reporting
crisis can’t just be addressed by adding for all suppliers to allow us to create and
cost to our products to service only prioritise a “green suppliers” list. Although
those who can afford to pay more for this will have a knock-on effect to our
Scope 3 emissions, the main priority is to
encourage our suppliers to reduce their
own emissions and help us purchase only
from companies that uphold our same
commitments to the environment.
30 31mashdirect.com Sustainability Report 2021
Pledge 13 – Sustainable UN Sustainability Goal 15.2 - By 2020, Further Environmental – Car sharing or sustainable transport -
Agriculture 2030 promote the implementation of sustainable Considerations Car pooling to be encouraged when
UN Sustainable Development Goal management of all types of forests, halt In addition to the pledges detailed above possible to reduce emissions by staff.
2.4 - By 2030, ensure sustainable food deforestation, restore degraded forests and we are also implementing additional and Alternative modes of transport such as
production systems and implement substantially increase afforestation and continuing company policies that will have cycling will also be encouraged.
resilient agricultural practices that reforestation globally. knock on effects to the pledges given. – Paper Usage - Printing to be reduced
increase productivity and production, through better use of interactive
that help maintain ecosystems, that This is largely linked with Pledge 13 as – Switch Off Lighting - A lot of the factory information boards.
strengthen capacity for adaptation without one the other will fail. To improve currently has occupancy sensors for – Refill - Currently all new staff are given
to climate change, extreme weather, biodiversity on-site we have implemented lighting but where this is not possible a reusable water bottle but usage
drought, flooding and other disasters several rewilding and planting schemes. all lights are to be turned off when the has been low. To encourage this,
and that progressively improve land This includes the creation of new area is not in use. refilling stations will be expanded to all
and soil quality. woodland and wildflower meadows and – No Stand-by - All equipment to be communal areas.
cover crops are also used to encourage turned off at the end of each day to – Sustainable freight - No air freight
Currently our farm has a proud history biodiversity and improve soil health. To reduce “vampire” loads. to be continued and sustainable
of looking after the land we manage assist with the benchmarking we have – No Idling - Across our site we use a practices such as low carbon transport
due to the philosophy of ‘if we look conducted a site wide bird survey and are range of vehicles and forklifts. To reduce to be encouraged.
after the land, the land will look after currently conducting bat and migratory emissions and fuel usage all vehicles are
us’. However, we are always looking specific surveys. So far this has shown a to be turned off when not in use.
for ways to improve and as discussed, wide range of bird and bat activity across – Virtual Meetings - This transition
we have experienced new challenges the farm which will be factored into any has become come easier due to the
on the farm as the climate changes. decisions regarding site development and Covid-19 pandemic and will continue to
We will therefore take a more scientific renewable power generation. be encouraged to reduce travel.
approach and measure the soil quality
of the farmland. We will then be better Furthermore we will continue our work
equipped to determine better ways to with RSPB and improving bird and
improve our land. butterfly habitats across the site. We
will track this progress and quantify the
improved biodiversity on-site with the
aim of significantly increasing by 2030.
Pledge 14 – Increase We also recognise that biodiversity is
Biodiversity 2030 a global issue and will not purchase
UN Sustainability Goal 15.1 - By 2020, any material that contributes to
ensure the conservation, restoration and deforestation or the degradation of
sustainable use of terrestrial and inland biodiversity. This includes Palm Oil which
freshwater ecosystems and their services, we have been free from since 2016 and
in particular forests, wetlands, mountains will rather fund initiatives to replant
and drylands, in line with obligations and replenish biodiversity depleted
under international agreements. ecosystems across the globe.
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