Driving sustainability in the ingredients sector

At Meadow we are setting ambitious sustainability goals to drive decarbonisation in the dairy and ingredients industry. With a commitment to achieving Net Zero across all our operational sites by 2030, we’re spearheading efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote responsible sourcing throughout our supply chain.
A clear roadmap to Net Zero
Meadow has outlined a comprehensive and ambitious sustainability strategy with specific targets:
- 2030: achieve Net Zero across all operational sites.
- 2050: achieve full Net Zero status, encompassing all aspects of the business.
These goals are supported by a clear roadmap encompassing five key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) areas: carbon emissions, environmental impact, supply chain resilience, social responsibility, and governance standards.
Collaborative approach with farmers
Recognising that dairy farms do contribute to carbon emissions, Meadow has partnered with over 400 UK farmers to implement sustainable practices. Between 2018 and 2021, the company worked closely with its farming partners to reduce carbon footprints by 21%, resulting in a carbon footprint 64% lower than the global average and 16% lower than the UK average, per litre of milk produced.
We are also proud to have an established Farmer Engagement Programme to share best practices and provide support for farmers in reducing carbon emissions.
Innovative supply chain initiatives
Meadow has implemented several initiatives to enhance supply chain sustainability:
- Packaging Innovations: transitioning from plastic tubs to bags to reduce transportation emissions.
- Waste Reduction: investing in stronger, reusable plastic trays to decrease waste and reduce carbon emissions.
- Milk Swaps: collaborating with other milk supply chain partners to optimise logistics and reduce transportation emissions.
These efforts not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
Commitment to responsible sourcing
At Meadow, we are dedicated to responsible sourcing practices. We are striving to ensure that this year we meet all our deforestation free commitments, adhering to policies that promote environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Moving forward
Through collaborative efforts with farmers, innovative supply chain initiatives, and a commitment to responsible sourcing, Meadow is making significant strides toward its Net Zero targets. As we continue to set ambitious goals and implement effective strategies, we hope to serve as a model for other businesses aiming to achieve sustainability in their operations.