As a major dairy processing business, we utilise significant levels of resource, including energy, water and packaging. Our Environmental Policy Statement outlines our commitment to meet the needs of our customers in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner by committing to the effective and efficient use of these resources.
During the 2009-10 financial year, all of Milk Link's sites (including Llandyrnog which was acquired in June 2009) achieved ISO 14001:2004 accreditation. ISO 14001 specifies the actual requirements for an environmental management system and it applies to those environmental aspects over which Milk Link has control and over which it can be expected to have an influence. The standard is awarded as judged by LRQA, a leading independent accreditation body.
Energy management has stayed under close scrutiny with, in particular, new technology investment being made at our Reece's Creamery and Crediton Dairy.
In Crediton, significant investment has been made in new steam raising and chilled water plants which include the latest heat recovery and electricity reduction devices. In addition, all of Milk Link's heat raising plants are now driven by gas with back up only from oils which have reduced particulate emissions. Other aspects of energy reduction have taken place including investment in high frequency light fittings and variable speed drives. The light fittings use 60% less energy than previously, do not contain mercury and run at lower temperatures which are inherently safer.
The consolidation of our Kirkcudbright Dairy production into Crediton, whilst primarily a business decision, has had several positive aspects beneficial to the environment including a) removal of a tidal discharge into the Solway Firth; b) shortening of the supply chain and; c) reduced water and energy usage per tonne of product packed.
A detailed feasibility study has taken place at our Lockerbie Creamery with a view to exploring options for a CAD (centralised anaerobic digestion) plant. Capital entry costs are prohibitive at present but as technology improves this may become a more realisable objective in the future.
Lockerbie and Taw Valley now have in place tight phosphate discharge limits into the rivers Annan and Taw respectively. Both of these sites have invested capital, time and effort into reducing phosphate limits. Taw Valley's phosphate discharge levels are among the lowest in the UK and indeed, discharge quality from these sites is at its best ever levels in over 30 years of operation.
Lockerbie and Taw Valley have aslo been focusing heavily on emissions from their spray drying plants. Lockerbie invested significant capex in improvements to cyclones and Taw Valley has installed stack monitoring technology which will allow emissions from the drying plant to be continually measured and controlled more effectively.
Milk Link also works with its Members and partners to reduce on-farm environmental impacts. Initiatives include:
- Establishing a number of 'Monitor' Farms at which audits are carried out for energy use, water use and carbon footprint. The results of these have been disseminated to Members through the publishing of a Technical Supplement.
- Continuing to work with Gregory Distribution to reduce diesel usage in the collection of milk from our Members' farms.
- Milk Link Members receive Farm Assurance audits to ensure compliance with the Agricultural Waste Regulations 2006 (ensuring farm plastics and other waste materials are disposed of via an Environment Agency licensed waste contractor). In addition, to comply with Quality Assurance standards, all Members must have in place Farm Waste Management Plans for the disposal of manures etc. We have highlighted to Members the changes to the standard that apply from April 2010. These include certain environmental considerations e.g. the regular testing of water from a Member's own supply.
- With the extension of the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, information and guidance has been provided for Members to assist in handling their situation in an environmentally sensitive way.
- Highlighting to Members the various on-farm grants available to maximise the efficiency of energy or water and facilitate improved handling of waste.
- Working with the Environment Agency to create a framework for the safe disposal of milk during the severe winter weather experienced in January 2010 when farm collections were not possible.
- As part of the 'Sainsbury's Cheese Development Group' initiative, all members of the Group undertake a regular carbon footprint audit to highlight areas where greater efficiency and reduced carbon usage can be achieved.
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