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