Lakeland Dairies launches new sustainability strategy

Pathway to a Better Future is Lakeland Dairies’ sustainability / ESG strategy to 2030 and aims to reduce on farm and factory emissions by 30% before the end of the decade. It also targets zero waste to landfill and the cessation of non-recyclable and non-compostable plastics. Lakeland Dairies is the island’s largest dairy co-operative with 3,200 farm families supplying 2bn litres of milk annually. The co-op has a turnover of €2bn and a staff of 1,400 spread across eight production sites in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Pictured are Lakeland Dairies suppliers Thomas, Jane, Rachel and Alan Clarke on their farm near Bailieboro, Co. Cavan. / Patrick Bolger

Pathway to a Better Future is Lakeland Dairies new sustainability strategy launched at the beginning of October.

It aims to reduce on farm and factory emissions by 30% before the end of the decade. It also targets zero waste to landfill and the cessation of non-recyclable and non-compostable plastics. The ICOS member is the island’s largest dairy co-operative with 3,200 farm families supplying 2bn litres of milk annually. The co-op has a turnover of €2bn and a staff of 1,400 spread across eight production sites in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

30% reduction in factory emissions by 2030
30% reduction in carbon footprint of milk production by 2030
100% of plastic packaging will be reusable, recyclable and compostable by 2030
15% reduction in water usage by 2025
A clear commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Zero waste to landfill by 2026
A Net Zero commitment working with the SBTi (Science Based Targets Initiative)
Rollout of Farm Sustainability Programme in 2023

Chairman of Lakeland Dairies Niall Matthews said: “I am delighted to publish our new Sustainability Strategy to 2030. Pathway to a Better Future forming a key part of the ongoing and future evolution of Lakeland Dairies – a co-operative with a heritage of 130 years of excellence in dairying. We are making a clear and unambiguous commitment to continue on the pathway of reducing emissions and protecting the co-op and our environment for another 130 years and more.

The ICOS Dairy committee chairman added: “Lakeland Dairies’ farm families have already played a huge role in tackling climate change and improving our sustainability credentials. Largescale adoption of low-emission slurry spreading (LESS) technology, efficient management of nutrients, using the latest breeding advancements and leadership in the uptake of clover grasses and multi-species swards (MSS) means that Lakeland Dairies suppliers are well-placed to meet the future with optimism.”

More details: www.lakeland.ie