Danone’s Wexford plant receives ‘landmark’ carbon-neutral certification
Danone has announced the ‘landmark’ carbon-neutral certification of its baby formula production facility in Wexford, Ireland.
The certification by the Carbon Trust, an independent global climate change and sustainability consultancy, marks an industry-leading milestone and is a step towards Danone’s target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The facility sources 100% renewable electricity and uses a biomass boiler powered by sustainable wood fuels. This has resulted in 10,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) savings compared to the plant’s emissions in 2010, representing a 70% reduction in its direct carbon footprint while doubling its production volumes. Since the end of 2019, the remaining direct CO2 emissions of the plant have been fully offset with Gold Standard certificates.
Danone’s Wexford facility is located in one of the world’s leading sustainable grass-fed dairy sectors and employs 350 people. It produces leading brands such as Aptamil, Cow & Gate, and Nutrilon for consumers in 41 countries worldwide. Alongside its biomass boiler, the firm has earned its carbon-neutral status by implementing digital technologies for efficiencies and sustainability performance; supporting the local economy by sourcing local wood fuel; contributing to regenerative agriculture practices in Ireland, and achieving zero-waste to landfill.
“At extraordinary times like the one we are living at the moment, it more important than ever to protect the local ecosystems where we operate and create sustainable value for everyone,” said Emmanuel Faber, chairman and CEO of Danone.
“Our One Planet, One Health frame of action puts climate at the core of our growth model. The carbon-neutral certification of Danone Wexford is an excellent illustration of implementing climate action to protect the health of the planet and the people. It is also a step towards realising our commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions across our entire value chain by 2050 and I truly want to congratulate our people in Wexford for realising an ambitious vision set more than 10 years ago.
“This is only a first step and we should accelerate even more to create a low-emission, climate-resilient future. It is through key investments like this one that we take a step forward towards reaching this ambition.”
The certification by the Carbon Trust, an independent global climate change and sustainability consultancy, marks an industry-leading milestone and is a step towards Danone’s target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The facility sources 100% renewable electricity and uses a biomass boiler powered by sustainable wood fuels. This has resulted in 10,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) savings compared to the plant’s emissions in 2010, representing a 70% reduction in its direct carbon footprint while doubling its production volumes. Since the end of 2019, the remaining direct CO2 emissions of the plant have been fully offset with Gold Standard certificates.
Danone’s Wexford facility is located in one of the world’s leading sustainable grass-fed dairy sectors and employs 350 people. It produces leading brands such as Aptamil, Cow & Gate, and Nutrilon for consumers in 41 countries worldwide. Alongside its biomass boiler, the firm has earned its carbon-neutral status by implementing digital technologies for efficiencies and sustainability performance; supporting the local economy by sourcing local wood fuel; contributing to regenerative agriculture practices in Ireland, and achieving zero-waste to landfill.
“At extraordinary times like the one we are living at the moment, it more important than ever to protect the local ecosystems where we operate and create sustainable value for everyone,” said Emmanuel Faber, chairman and CEO of Danone.
“Our One Planet, One Health frame of action puts climate at the core of our growth model. The carbon-neutral certification of Danone Wexford is an excellent illustration of implementing climate action to protect the health of the planet and the people. It is also a step towards realising our commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions across our entire value chain by 2050 and I truly want to congratulate our people in Wexford for realising an ambitious vision set more than 10 years ago.
“This is only a first step and we should accelerate even more to create a low-emission, climate-resilient future. It is through key investments like this one that we take a step forward towards reaching this ambition.”
