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DAWN MEATS GROUP Sustainability Report
NATURALLY BETTER
For Nutrition,
Society & the
Natural World
2019
2021
dawnmeats.com dunbia.com
2 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 WELCOME
Welcome
Welcome to our third Sustainability Report, which details
our progress and activities from 2019 to the beginning of
2021. Our business purpose is to provide consistent quality
meat products from sustainable sources to support our rural
communities, human health and nature’s eco-system.
30,000 8,000 €2Bn
FARMER EMPLOYEES TURNOVER
SUPPLIERS
47 Nationalities 50 Markets
29 Sites
3 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 WELCOME
CONTENTS
WELCOME 02 PEOPLE & COMMUNITY 68
Executive Summary 04 – 08 Diversity and Inclusion 69
Highlights 09 – 10 Health and Wellbeing 70 – 71
Sustainability Strategy Overview 11 – 12 Recruitment 72
Climate Action 13 – 17 Learning and Development 73
Biodiversity 18 – 19 Coronavirus (Covid-19) 74
Community 75 – 77
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 20
Our Approach 21 FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY,
Energy and Water Management 22 – 24 HEALTH & NUTRITION 78
Waste Management 25 Our Approach 79
Case Studies 26 – 28 Food Safety Week 80 – 81
Food Waste 29 – 30 Audits, Training, HACCP and Digital 82 – 84
Health and Nutrition 86 – 87
SUSTAINABLE SOURCING 31
Strategic Procurement 32 Transparency & Assurance 88
Ingredients 33
89 – 90
Animal Feed and Sustainable Soya 34 – 35
Collaboration & Strategic Partnerships 91 – 93
Ethical Trade 36 – 39
Awards 94
Packaging 40 – 45
Company History 95
Sustainable Agriculture 46 – 51
Our Strategy Locations 96
Innovation in Agriculture 52 – 57
Supporting Farmers of the Future 58 – 62
ANIMAL WELFARE 63
All images in this report were taken in
Our Approach and Strategy
Policies and Governance
64 – 65
66
accordance with local social distancing
rules in place at the time, with most !
taken pre pandemic.
Training and Collaboration 67
4 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Executive Summary
Chief Executive Officer, Niall Browne and and we recognise that our long-term viability
Head of Sustainability, Gill Higgins reflect is dependent upon the health of our natural
on the progress we have made in the 2 years world and the wellbeing of our communities.
since our last report. The Sustainability Executive at Dawn Meats
continuously develop our strategy to ensure
Our business has witnessed extraordinary change we are doing everything we can to address the
over the past 2 years, and we are proud of the most pressing challenges, and members of the
exceptional teamwork and collaboration which Sustainability Team, who are our subject matter
has helped us to adapt throughout the pandemic experts, work cross-functionally to implement
and Brexit. In supporting our colleagues, these plans.
communities, suppliers and customers, we have
continued to execute our sustainability strategy The 2021 Sustainability Report contains a
to deliver against our goals and targets. progress update on our strategies, goals and
initiatives and includes many examples of how
For us, sustainability means taking responsibility we are supporting the United Nations Sustainable
for the impact our business has on the world Development Goals.
5 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
We are delighted to share a summary
of our Highlights & Achievements
1 Climate change is one of the
greatest challenges facing our
world, and in 2019 we became
ISO14001 and ISO50001 certified
for environmental and energy
management respectively, and over
2
Our procurement teams source
cattle and sheep from over 30,000
farming businesses across the UK
the first European Beef and Lamb the last two years we saved enough and Ireland, and we work in
processor to have our Science- energy to power 20,215 homes per partnership with suppliers,
Based Targets approved. Measured year, and the equivalent of 1,225 customers, government and other
from a 2016 baseline, we have Olympic size swimming pools of key stakeholders to drive change
committed to reduce our Scope 1 water. In May 2021 we applied to on a national and sectoral scale.
and 2 absolute emissions by 30% the Science-Based Targets Initiative
Working directly with over 1,000
and Scope 3 emissions intensity of to increase our ambition to align our
suppliers through customer focussed
purchased goods and services by target with a 1.5°C pathway, placing
farming groups and industry projects.
28% per tonne of finished product, us on a net zero trajectory.
We are investing over €1m annually
by 2030. €
Addressing our Scope 3 target in on-farm sustainability ventures,
Overall in 2020 we achieved a presents a significant challenge and facilitating knowledge sharing and
reduction of 248,000 tonnes CO2e one we cannot achieve in isolation. reporting progress against key
CO2
in absolute emissions covered by Our Scope 3 target primarily relates metrics which contribute to reducing
our Science-based Targets. to agricultural emissions and emissions and improving economic
represents almost 70% of our total performance. Our Newford Suckler
Our Scope 1 and 2 emissions
2020 emissions. This presents us Beef Demonstration Farm in Ireland
reduced by approximately 59,000
with the greatest opportunity for was selected as one of 100 farms in
tonnes CO2e in 2020 by improving
improvement and allows us to the Teagasc-led Signpost
our energy and water management
demonstrate what can be achieved Programme, to support climate
and efficiency, reducing emissions
when all parts of the supply chain action by Irish farmers to further
from refrigeration systems and
collaborate towards a common reduce emissions, while creating
transitioning to 100% renewable
goal. Absolute emissions in this more profitable and sustainable
wind energy for our electricity
category decreased by 189,000 farming enterprises.
requirements across the UK and CO2
tonnes CO2e in 2020, as compared
Ireland. All our production sites are
to 2016.
6 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
3 Packaging is an essential element
of our supply chain, which enables
us to safely transport products of
4 Our people are our key asset
and are a diverse, inclusive and
dedicated group who reflect the
is available in the native languages
of our employees. Over the last 2
years we have conducted 178,000
consistent quality from our global outlook of our business.
hours of training and invested over
production sites to our customers. We worked hard to keep them
€3m in learning and development.
safe throughout the pandemic
Our focus is on reducing substrates In 2021, following a successful
and we would like to thank each
and increasing the recyclability and Home Office UKVI audit, we were
and every one of them for their
the recycled content of our plastic awarded an A-rated licence for 4
exceptional efforts in keeping food
packaging, noting that policy and years, making us a licensed sponsor
on the shelves of our customers
infrastructure need to evolve to under the New Points Based Skilled
during these unprecedented times.
increase recycling capacity in the Immigration System in the UK.
As a team of approximately 8,000
markets where we operate.
people representing 47 nationalities,
In support of a circular economy, we embrace cultural diversity and
our retail Modified Atmosphere ensure each team member has a
Packaging and Skin Packaging trays clearly defined career path with
can now be made from a plastic equal opportunities for progression.
material called mono PET, making Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
them easier to recycle. All rigid Strategy was recognised with the
plastic trays have an average inaugural Bord Bia Food & Drink Award
recycled content of up to 90%. for Diversity and Inclusion in 2019.
100% of our corrugated and solid A bespoke induction programme is
board paper packaging is now being delivered in a blended way via
Forest Stewardship Council certified. our eLearning Platform, and training
7 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
5 As a family-owned company,
we support communities where
we operate by sourcing locally
6 In November 2019, we became
the first Irish food manufacturer to
achieve Business in the Community
produced livestock and utilising Ireland’s (BITCI) Business Working
local services. Through our business Responsibly Mark for all our Irish
operations we contribute more than sites, making us one of only 40
€1.67bn annually to rural economies businesses to achieve this standard.
in Ireland and the UK. We encourage The Mark is the leading independently
employees to get involved in events audited standard for sustainability
such as agricultural shows, food certification in Ireland. We are
festivals, volunteering with local members of BITCI’s Leaders’ Group
clubs, schools and educational on Sustainability, supporting the
programmes, and community based work of subgroups devoted to
fundraising activities. Our goal is the Low Carbon Pledge and the
to have a positive impact on the Inclusive Workplace Pledge.
communities where we operate,
where we source from, and where
7
our employees live. Over the last In December 2020 we were awarded
two years, we donated and helped a Silver medal by EcoVadis in its
to raise more than €1.1m for Sustainability Ratings, a methodology
community and charity projects based on international sustainability
and more than 4,300 volunteer standards including the Global
hours were undertaken by our team Reporting Initiative, United Nations
members. We donated 125,000 Global Compact and ISO 26000.
meal portions to front-line
workers, people in need and
community groups.
8 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As we look to the future the challenges facing our Systems Summit and COP26 later this year. These elements coupled with appropriate land
society will only be resolved through collaboration We believe that UK and Irish livestock production use management are essential for an optimised
and it is only by working together with supply systems are among the most sustainable in the approach to climate action and the long-term
chain partners, nationally and globally, that we World, where cattle and sheep convert grass into health of our natural world.
will be able to deliver impactful solutions at the a highly nutritious, naturally produced protein,
In 2021 we became signatories to the EU Code of
necessary scale. We are founding members of the containing essential vitamins and minerals to
Conduct for Responsible Business and Marketing
European Roundtable for Beef Sustainability, the support human health, and where much work
Practices and we have an exciting 2 years ahead as
UK Cattle Sustainability Platform, Origin Green is underway to scale up the adoption of climate
we continue to leverage our expertise to conserve
and WRAP’s Meat in a Net Zero World, and source smart farming. Our focus is on the continued
our water and energy, reduce our emissions and
96% of our livestock from members of Bord Bia’s adoption of sustainable and progressive farming
waste, support our rural communities and produce
Sustainable beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme methods, which reduce and sequester emissions,
food which makes a valuable contribution to
(SBLAS) in Ireland and 99% from Red Tractor as well as promoting biodiversity, soil health,
human nutrition.
Assured Farms in the UK. We are also members water quality and other environmental benefits.
of SEDEX, the Food Network for Ethical Trade,
the Agri-Food Diversity & Inclusion Forum,
Meat Business Women and the UK Plastics Pact,
to name a few.
Feeding the global population sustainably to 2050
and beyond will require coordination to produce
food in optimum conditions. We look forward to NIALL BROWNE GILL HIGGINS
seeing positive actions, which are grounded in Chief Executive Officer Head of Sustainability
science, emerging from the United Nations Food
9 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights
EMISSIONS
WATER SAVED
CO 2
248,000 TCO2e Saved equivalent of
Absolute Reduction
in Emissions covered by our SBTs 1,225
OLYMPIC Size
Swimming Pools
of Water
ENERGY SAVED
Equivalent
to powering
100%
PACKAGING
20,215 HOMES PER YEAR
OF ELECTRICITY
Sourced from 100%
renewable energy Retail MAP and VSP rigid
plastic trays approved for
ENERGY mono PET, making them
easier to recycle
LIVESTOCK SOURCED
96% of livestock sourced from
SBLAS members in Ireland 90%
Average recycled
99% of livestock sourced from
Red Tractor Assured Farms in the UK
content in all rigid
plastic trays
10 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 HIGHLIGHTS
ANIMAL WELFAE CONTRIBUTIONS
2
Royal College
Veterinary Surgeons
on our team 24
Animal
Welfare
Officers
€1.67
BILLION
Annually
€ to rural
economies
WE DONATED
125,000
MEAL PORTIONS
INVEST CHARITY
to front-line workers,
people in need and
€1m
Annually in on-farm
€1.1m
Raised for communities
community groups
sustainability projects and charities
DONATIONS
4,300
178,000
€3
EMPLOYEES
MILLION
Volunteer hours
undertaken
Invested in LEARNING
HOURS of employee training & DEVELOPMENT11 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 STRATEGY OVERVIEW
Sustainability
Strategy Overview
Resource Sustainable Animal People & Food Safety & Quality,
Management Sourcing Welfare Community Health & Nutrition
Our business purpose INNOVATION
is to provide consistent
quality meat products
Dawn Meats Group was excess of €2 billion. We employ other stakeholders who share our
from sustainable sources
to support our rural established in Co Waterford approximately 8,000 people at commitment, and have partnered
communities, human health in 1980 and is a family- 29 locations in Ireland, the UK, strategically as the supplier of
and nature’s eco-system. owned company marketing Continental Europe and Asia, choice for many leading global
quality beef and lamb and process one million cattle brands, as we work to solve
products to a customer and three million sheep common challenges.
base of supermarkets, annually, producing more than
When developing our 10-year
manufacturers, foodservice 350,000 tonnes of meat
strategy, covering the years
and restaurant businesses, products. Following the strategic
2015-2025, we considered
in over 50 countries. partnership with Dunbia in 2017
what areas were most
and subsequent integration
Investment in our primary important to the business and
process, Dunbia became the
business to support the growth the stakeholders we interact
UK operating company of
of our domestic and overseas with. Out of this process, we
Dawn Meats Group.
customer base has resulted in us decided upon five pillars for
becoming the largest processor Sustainability has been central our sustainability strategy,
Our ambition is to become of lamb in Europe and leading to our business strategy for over representing areas where we
Europe’s most sustainable 20 years, and we have aligned can have the greatest impact.
beef processor in the UK and
meat company.
Ireland, with annual revenues in with customers, suppliers and12 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 GOVERNANCE
Sustainability Our success is the result of the hard work and
dedication of our people, strong governance and
the Executive, the Sustainability Team is
comprised of subject matter experts working
Executive and leadership. Our Sustainability Executive is chaired cross-functionally to achieve goals, raise
Sustainability Team
by our CEO and meets regularly to review awareness with colleagues, continuously improve
progress and advance our strategy. Reporting to and drive new business opportunities.
SUSTAINABILITY EXECUTIVE
CEO
GROUP FOOD SAFETY GROUP RETAIL
HEAD OF HR ENGINEERING HEAD OF
COMMERCIAL & QUALITY OPERATIONS COMMERCIAL
SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR DIRECTOR MARKETING
DIRECTOR DIRECTOR DIRECTOR DIRECTOR
SUSTAINABILITY TEAM
Animal Welfare &
Sustainability Manager Environmental Managers Head of Agriculture
Veterinary Manager
Strategic Procurement Livestock Procurement Ethical, Trade &
Human Resource Managers
Managers Managers Compliance Manager
Head of Innovation & Food Safety & Quality
Packaging Developer Accountant
New Product Development Managers13 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 CLIMATE ACTION
Climate Action
Climate change is one of the greatest PROGRESS
challenges facing the natural world. Overall Scope 1 and 2 SBT emissions have
reduced by 59,000 tCO2e through a range
Under the Paris Agreement, almost 200 countries
of measures, including:
have agreed to reduce their Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
emissions by an amount needed to limit global • p
rocuring 100% of electricity requirements
warming to well-below 2°C from pre-industrial across our sites in the UK and Ireland from
levels and pursue efforts to achieve 1.5°C, by halving renewable sources
carbon emissions by 2030 from a 2010 baseline • c
ontinuously improving the efficient use
and reducing emissions to net zero by 2050. of thermal energy and water on our sites
• e
mploying lean management principles
in daily operations
TARGETS
• t ransitioning to lower emission fossil fuels
In 2019, we became the first European Beef
• r educing fugitive emissions from refrigeration
and Lamb processor to have our Science-Based
systems, and
Targets (SBTs) approved.
• leveraging ISO14001 certification for
By 2030 from a 2016 baseline we have environmental management and ISO50001
committed to reduce: certification for energy management across
• Scope 1 and 2 absolute emissions by 30%, and the site network.
• S
cope 3 emissions intensity of purchased As part of our commitment to BITCI’s Low
goods and services by 28% per tonne of Carbon Pledge, we applied to the Science based
finished product Targets Initiative (SBTi) in early May 2021 to
We report progress annually to CDP, the leading increase our ambition and align our Scope 1 & 2
global body for the disclosure of emissions, via SBT with a 1.5°C pathway, placing us on a net
the Climate Change Questionnaire and Forests zero trajectory.
Questionnaire.14 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 CLIMATE ACTION
Scope 3 emissions account for over 99% of our every 18-months, using a PAS 2020 accredited
total emissions in 2020 and our SBT relates to model. Farmers receive a feedback report on
emissions from the sourcing of live cattle and sheep their performance compared to national
from the UK and Ireland, and other meat products, averages, along with suggestions to reduce
which represent almost 70% of total emissions. their farm’s carbon footprint. Since the
Since the publication of our last sustainability report introduction of assessments in 2011, 175,000
in 2019, over 20,000 independent assessments of individual carbon footprint calculations have
on-farm emissions have taken place on more than taken place on over 50,000 beef farms.
40% of supplier farms. Participating farms who are suppliers to us are
incentivised by way of premia payments to
• O
verall, absolute emissions in this category
meet required specifications and participation
decreased by 189,000 tonnes CO2e in 2020
rates continue to increase.
as compared to the 2016 baseline.
• In the UK our absolute emissions increased by
• In Ireland Dawn Meats absolute emissions
3% in 2020 as compared to our baseline. This
decreased by 11% in 2020, driven primarily
was driven primarily by a 6% rise in our market
by a reduction in our average carbon footprint
share of the UK processing sector as we
resulting from the purchase of live cattle and
continue to expand our presence following the
sheep and associated meat products sourced
Dunbia UK integration. Due to the lack of
and derived from farms participating in Bord
available data on current agricultural emissions,
Bia’s Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance
we were obliged to use the same emissions
Scheme (SBLAS). Membership of SBLAS
factors for UK sourced livestock as those used
comprises over 96% of our national cattle
in 2016.
supply and members are carbon footprinted15 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 CLIMATE ACTION
Scope 3 Opportunities
Livestock production, have been at the centre of Research published by MDPI in June 2021 The process for viably reducing agricultural
the climate change discussion for several years, reported that full lifecycle emissions for all emissions and a pathway to net zero is a
with much of the narrative suggesting global and livestock species represent about 16.5% of global challenging one. It is important for the livestock
national herds should be significantly reduced. anthropogenic GHG emissions. Furthermore, sector to work with their stakeholders and other
Such an approach is overly simplistic and ignores according to a June 2021 Rabobank report, the sectors collaboratively, to make meaningful
the changes underway in how the livestock beef supply chain accounts for approximately 6% progress on Scope 3 emissions. Accounting
sector can and does contribute to reducing of global GHG emissions, and that these emissions is still evolving and will have an impact on
emissions and sequestering carbon on farm, could be reduced by over 30% by 2030 in markets national emissions factors for on-farm and
for which no allowance is currently made in such as Europe, North America and Brazil. processor emissions.
emissions accounting.
Research from Teagasc, CIEL and AHDB has shown A new metric for measuring the Global Warming
A more balanced assessment is therefore that significant reductions can be achieved via: Potential (GWP) of methane is under consideration
necessary to understand and appreciate the • a
dvancements in genetics, genomics and which reflects its relatively short-lived presence
positive impacts which livestock production breeding, in atmosphere of 10-12 years when compared to
can have on climate and our natural world. other GHGs such as carbon and nitrogen, which
• optimising feed conversion and liveweight gain,
accumulate over 100’s of years. If adopted, the
From a global perspective, feeding the population • reducing age at slaughter, new GWP metric would have a significant impact
sustainably to 2050 and beyond will require
• e
mploying feed additives which are proven on the accounting of livestock’s contribution to
coordination to produce food in optimal
to reduce methane from enteric fermentation, global warming, as no net increase in emissions
locations. Livestock production systems in Ireland
arises if herd size does not increase and can
and the UK are amongst the most sustainable in • u
sing lower emissions slurry spreading
decrease as herd efficiency improves.
the world, where cattle and sheep convert grass technologies,
into a highly nutritious, naturally produced • r eplacing calcium ammonium nitrate with
protein. Much work is underway to scale up organic fertilizers lower in nitrogen,
climate smart farming to demonstrate the positive
• a
voiding deforestation, limiting land use
benefits derived from improved soil health,
change, planting trees and hedgerows and
biodiversity and associated sequestration benefits.
optimising soil health.16 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 CLIMATE ACTION
Our Strategy for Reducing
Agricultural Emissions
RECALCULATE
National Emission Factors
Refinement of inventory will
improve Lifecycle Assessment and
Carbon Footprint Tools that utilise
IMPROVED national Emissions Factors IMPROVE
Inventory Accounting Farm Data
Lifecycle Assessment
Sequestration, Build systems and
System Boundaries, mechanisms to collect
Co-Product Allocation and share farm data
CO2
IMPROVE
Emission Factors
and Reduce
Carbon Footprint
CLIMATE SMART CONSISTENT
Sustainable Farming Emissions Accounting
Engagement, Common Sustainability
Knowledge Sharing, KPIs, National Emissions
Recognition for Factors and Carbon
reducing emissions Footprint Calculators17 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 CLIMATE ACTION
We have 30,000 farmers in our supply base, Beef Demonstration Farm in Galway, which
and due to the fragmented nature of our was selected as one of 100 farms in the Signpost
supply chains, we alone cannot drive change Programme, a Teagasc led-initiative involving a
without significant alignment across the partnership of over 30 companies from the Irish
supply chain. agri-food sector. The purpose of the Signpost
Programme is to support climate action by Irish
Collaboration is essential to impactfully reduce farmers and its goals are to reduce emissions
emissions and success will require joined up from Irish agriculture, while creating more
approaches on a global, national and sectoral profitable and sustainable farming enterprises.
level. Public policy and strategy must be aligned
to encourage the adoption of climate smart Over the last 5 years we have invested over €1m
sustainable practices by rewarding farmers who annually in on-farm sustainability projects which
implement such practices. openly share progress against key metrics which
contribute to reducing emissions, managing costs
We are working with several multi-stakeholder and improving economic performance.
groups including the European Roundtable for Beef
Sustainability (ERBS), the UK Cattle Sustainability Our focus is on the continued adoption of
Platform (UKCSP), WRAP’s Meat in a Net Zero sustainable and progressive farming methods,
World, Origin Green and Meat Industry Ireland which reduce and sequester emissions, as well
to encourage the transition to more sustainable as promoting biodiversity, soil health, water
practices, align on a common framework for quality and other environmental benefits.
measuring farm emissions, and develop Scope 3
These elements coupled with appropriate land
Accounting Principles for Food Businesses.
use management are essential for an optimised
We facilitate knowledge sharing initiatives and approach to climate action.
work directly with suppliers and customers on
a range of projects, such as the Newford Suckler18 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity
Given the nature of our business, we are the site. The ICW is an ecological park consisting
intrinsically linked to the environment of native reeds, plants and trees. The ICW or
and the eco-systems in which we operate. reed-bed system acts as a natural filtration system
We support biodiversity on our sites and for the wastewater from the site. Given the
in our supply chains. relatively low levels of solids in the wastewater,
as compared to abattoirs or boning halls, the
Site acreage of reed beds required to filter and treat
Dependent on the size and the location of our sites, wastewater is relatively small. This ICW has
the scope for biodiversity projects varies. We have allowed the site to avoid the high emissions
constructed wetlands, installed beehives, planted associated with energy-intensive mechanical
trees and permitted areas to go wild in support of wastewater treatment, as well as the high
pollinators. We manage water ways proximate to operating costs.
our sites and the importance of biodiversity is Waterford Institute of Technology have
communicated through our Dawn Direct conducted a biological assessment of the stream
newsletters and during our environmental week. and of the fauna in the ICW and found an
The Integrated Constructed Wetlands (ICW) at abundance of invertebrate species, emphasizing
our Carroll’s Cross site in Ireland was established the biodiversity value of the stream.
in 2012 in conjunction with the construction of19 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 BIODIVERSITY
Supply Chain
Biodiversity is often monitored using indicator carbon sequestration. The Hen Harrier Project is
species and protecting these species indirectly valued at €25m and is funded by the department
protects many other species that share the same of Agriculture on behalf of the European Union.
habitats. In 2020, 61 breeding pairs were recorded in the
6 Special Protection Areas in Kerry, Limerick,
The Hen Harrier is one such species, which is now
Cork, Tipperary, Laois and Monaghan.
a rare bird of prey in Ireland, largely due to the loss
of 300,000 hectares of peatland habitat to the In 2020 we reaffirmed our support for the Hen
planting of non-native monoculture coniferous Harrier Project and welcomed the May 2020
forests. The Hen Harrier Project was launched in announcement by the Minister for Agriculture,
2017 to support farmers in enhancing the value of Food and the Marine that €500,000 was to be paid
the ecosystem services of their land. The Project to farmers in recognition of their contribution to
does this by rewarding farmers for the quality of the very successful 2019 breeding season. Dawn
the habitats they have on their farm, while Meats supports the Hen Harrier Project with suitable
coinvesting to improve and manage these habitats. livestock selection prior to purchase and provides
assistance, with performance recording for upland
Since 2017, Dawn Meats have supported the Hen
livestock farming. We provide a guaranteed outlet
Harrier Project in its to efforts to save the species
for the finished livestock which enables detailed
from extinction, by working with a cohort of 1,600
data reporting on livestock performance. Coupled
farmers to graze cows and older beef animals on
with the support payments for participating farmers,
upland grasses for the summer, before processing
the freeing up of productive lowland for silage is key
them in the autumn. Grasses consumed by
to supporting the Project goals of demonstrating
livestock are prevented from drying out, reducing
greater economic opportunity from the land,
the risk of wild-fires occurring in hot weather or
while protecting biodiversity, improving soil
dry conditions. This protects the underlying moss
carbon sequestration and protecting the Hen
for mammal habitation on which the hen harrier
Harrier breeding grounds.
feeds, maintains biodiversity and promotes20 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Resource Management The global population is growing, and we must produce more food with finite resources. Earth Overshoot Day fell on 29 July 2021 and is the date when demand for natural resources and services exceeds what the Earth can regenerate in a particular year.
21 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Our Approach
To meet the present and future nutritional is to measure consumption, identify opportunities
requirements of the population, we must for optimisation, set targets, regularly monitor
significantly reduce consumption of our progress and leverage appropriate frameworks.
resources and maximise our production Production sites are ISO14001 certified for
efficiencies. environmental management and ISO50001
certified for energy management. Detailed
Since our foundation in 1980, Dawn Meats have monitoring of performance against targets is
continuously improved the efficient use of the carried out through a bespoke Energy
resources which we control directly on our sites, Management System (EnMS), with comprehensive
focusing our attention on the most material sub-metering systems in place at each site and on
concerns: water, energy and waste. Our approach all the primary users of water, electricity and fuel.
The Group Environmental Engineering Team,
Senior Management Team and each site
management team agree key performance
indicators (KPI’s) annually, which are captured on
the EnMS. KPI’s are examined and findings shared
through monthly calls, site reports and quarterly
energy meetings. This communication strategy
provides insights into opportunities for
improvement across our sites.22 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Energy and Water
Water is accessed through where all water is treated after equipment and general
wells on our sites, the public its use, requires large amounts services such as lighting.
water supply and by harvesting of electrical energy and is also Natural gas, oil and liquid
rainwater. Water is included an SEU. The sterilisation and petroleum gas (LPG) and
with the scope of our EnMS cleaning of each part of the other fuels are used to
and it vital for all food process is paramount to the produce energy for hot water
processing, where it is primarily functionality of the business and steam generation. Due to
used for sterilisation, washing in producing and processing the emissions arising from the
and general hygiene. safe food. On a global scale, procurement and generation
water as a resource is being of energy, 100% of our
A significant energy user (SEU)
depleted, and we recognise electrical energy requirement
is one which contributes to over
our obligation to protect this is now procured from
80% of total energy used. SEUs
essential resource. renewable sources, and lower
are given precedence before all
emission fossil fuels are
other users when applying Electrical energy is sourced
progressively being used for
energy management tools. to power a range of activities
thermal energy generation.
at our facilities, including
Heating water is an SEU and
refrigeration systems,
represents a large proportion
wastewater treatment,
of our Scope 1 emissions.
mechanical services, water
Wastewater effluent treatment,
pumping, processing23 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
TARGETS WATER
In 2015 we set 10-year targets to reduce water • E
xcellent progress has been achieved to
and energy intensities by 40% from our baseline, date against our targets, having reduced water
and in 2017 we incorporated Dunbia UK into intensity by 28% by becoming more innovative
achievement of these targets following the and lean around the area of water consumption.
joint venture.
• D
ue to the wide range of processes and
services that require high quality water across
the business, its management can become
PROGRESS quite complex.
Following the integration of Dawn Meats and
Dunbia we aligned our environmental strategies • Improvements have been achieved within
and created a knowledge sharing platform an everchanging production environment,
employing risk management and forecasting to with greater value added in processing while
identify improvement opportunities and inform continuing to grow as a business.
investment decisions to help us achieve our
• K
ey investments in data management and
targets. Resource management and environmental
online metering platforms have provided real
considerations are an integral part of the
time information allowing for wastages and
procurement and capex process. The selection
anomalies in water consumption to be
of contractors and suppliers takes account of
promptly identified.
their past performance and awareness of the
impact their services have on energy, water • S
avings in water use are the equivalent of 1,225
and other resources. Olympic size swimming pools and equate to
70% of our 2025 target.24 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
ENERGY analysis of utility usage. Other capital projects
• E
nergy intensity has reduced by 31% included refrigeration systems and effluent
through the implementation of sound energy plant upgrades, and installation of more
management techniques and embedding a efficient hot water generation systems.
culture of energy awareness. • K
ey employees were upskilled on how their
• T
he energy saved is equivalent to powering actions impact energy performance, instilling
20,215 homes per year and has resulted in the a culture of accountability in each department.
achievement of 78% of the 2025 target. • D
isruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic
• T
his positive outcome has been delivered while created an unstable operating environment for
continuing to expand production volumes, the business, and several projects and initiatives
through continuous investment in optimising were placed on hold, while additional water
the efficiency and performance of energy users, and energy was required to meet enhanced
improved utility measuring and reporting, hygiene standards and air handling inputs.
eliminating wastage and the continued rollout Increased hand washing and factory
of awareness campaigns on the importance of washdowns were implemented into daily
energy conservation. operations.
• In 2019 and 2020, several substantial energy Despite the pandemic impact, excellent progress
management initiatives were delivered, was made in maintaining and improving water
including capital and behavioural projects. and energy reduction measures across the
A suite of modern electrical and fuel meters business and in 2019 and 2020 we cumulatively
were installed on all SEUs, including an Ignition saved 164,700 MWh of energy and 1.16million m3
online utility management system for real time of water compared to our baseline.25 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Waste
We are committed to reducing all forms of general waste stream has been contaminated and In the UK 32% of all waste generated in 2020 was
waste across our business, and by adopting cannot be recycled at present in its current form. recycled, with a steady 2% improvement made
a LEAN approach, we have been a zero waste We continuously investigate new technologies year on year.
to landfill business since 2016. to devise scalable solutions to clean this material
Due to the addition of pandemic-related waste
and make it recyclable, and initial trials with
streams, such as PPE, we had to re-calibrate our
Waste materials generated as part of the partners have shown encouraging results and
segregation efforts but we have been able to
production cycle include various plastics, paper we will continue to pursue this waste cleaning
maintain expected performance levels.
and cardboard, pallets, trays, oils, metals and solution to reduce waste generation and achieve
metallic parts from equipment. optimal end of life use. In 2019 and 2020, we standardised site waste
reporting to enable review and analysis of
Employee canteen and amenity waste typically
progress on a monthly basis and which facilitates
comprises food packaging and food, and office
TARGET the setting of targets and identification of
waste largely comprises stationery and paper.
In Ireland we have a target to recycle 56% of improvement projects. By adopting colour coding
We recycle all packaging, scrap metal, dry mixed all waste by 2021 and are in the process of for waste streams, we have enhanced segregation
recyclables, electrical components, construction establishing a new 2025 Group waste target. and increased the volume of waste recycled.
waste and waste oil, and facilitate recycling on Training and visual aids have been key
site through segregation infrastructure, training, engagement tools for all employees to assist in
signage and by waste contractors. taking the correct action. Engagement campaigns
PROGRESS
include a drive to eliminate single use plastics,
General waste is recovered through incineration Across our Irish business 50% of all waste
improve cigarette disposal and the recycling of
to produce refuse derived fuel for industrial generated was recycled in 2020, and we expect
mobile phones.
processes. The bulk of material that enters the to reach our 2021 target.26 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Case Study – Rathdowney
The Rathdowney site in Ireland is an excellent • D
etecting root cause of leaks promptly
example of how we have achieved significant and taking for actions to resolve.
savings and efficiency improvements in • Installing a suite of water sub-meters, to
water, energy and waste management. monitor use in all areas across the site and
DAWN MEATS RATHDOWNEY identify areas for improvement.
WATER MEATS
DAWN INTENSITY IMPROVEMENT
RATHDOWNEY
WATER
• R
olling out an online maintenance forum,
WATER INTENSITY IMPROVEMENT The team at Rathdowney saved an average of
m3 / Head which allowed for real-time reporting.
2 5.6m litres per month since the second quarter of
m3 / Head
2 2020, the equivalent 27 Olympic swimming pools • Implementing a ‘True Cost of Water’ metric,
on an annual basis. Water intensity improved from which accounts for all costs associated with use
1.84 m3 / head to 0.96 m3 / head. such as heating, wastewater treatment and
1
transport. The metric is used to raise employee
1
This was achieved by: awareness and is a useful tool for
• Increasing communication around water communicating the need for water savings and
0 consumption through daily PIT meetings, future water sustainability projects. The ‘True
0 2019 2020
monthly environmental calls, and quarterly Cost of Water’ metric has since been deployed
2019 2020
environmental reviews with site management. at all processing facilities in Ireland and is being
WATER SAVINGS
• Monitoring of site water use through existing rolled out across the Group.
WATER SAVINGS
m3
hard and soft water metering.
4000 m3
4000
3000
3000
2000
2000
1000
1000
0
1 11 21 31 41 53
0
1 11 21
Weeks 31
in 2020 41 53
Weeks in 202027 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
ENERGY Energy performance indicators (EnPI’s) are used dewatering infrastructure, by following best
Electricity usage has continuously improved, to identify deviations by analyzing energy usage, available technology principles.
with savings of 230,284 kWh per year, with comparing relevant throughputs and other
As a result, 98,282 kWh per year were saved
intensity reducing from 74 kWh / head in 2019 variables
DAWN identifying areas for improvement.
MEATS RATHDOWNEY from 2019 to 2020.
to 63 kWh / head in 2020. This Electrical
EnPI analysis resulted
Energy in the
Intensity installation of
Improvements
energy efficient chill fans, the replacement of A range of behavioral initiatives, enhanced training
Rathdowney enhanced its electrical and fuel kWh / Head
a faulty cooling tower motor, and a reduction for site operatives, process management and optimal
76
metering infrastructure, which enables better in the ammonia system discharge pressure. energy use of effluent treatment equipment, has
monitoring, analysis and reporting. resulted in significant site improvements.
Rathdowney invested to futureproof the site
The SEUs of electricity in Rathdowney are effluent treatment plant (ETP) and ensure best
66
refrigeration and the effluent treatment plant. practice in environmental sustainability, while
Capital investment and training projects and were enhancing energy efficiency. WASTE
initiated to reduce energy use in these areas. 56 Recycling rates increased from 58% in 2019 to
This improved the primary treatment section
2019 2020 75% in 2020. Waste disposal metrics at the site
of the ETP, biosolids removal process and
are recorded in a tracker and communicated
through quarterly environmental reviews.
DAWN MEATS RATHDOWNEY Effluent Treatment Plant Annualised Waste awareness among site personnel increased
Electrical Energy Intensity Improvements Electricity Consumption through initiatives such as environmental week.
kWh / Head
Employees are encouraged to voice ideas and
kWh in 000s
76 800 perspectives throughout environmental week by
suggesting how the site can improve, with prizes
740 awarded to the most innovative.
66
Recycling rates increased on site due to the
680 enhancement of waste segregation infrastructure,
signage detailing what can and cannot be
56 620 disposed of in designated bins, email campaigns,
2019 2020 2019 2020
and the appointment of a ‘Waste Champion’.28 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Case Study – Preston
In the UK, our site at Preston is an excellent This is mainly due to but not limited to:
example of how we have achieved significant • B
etter practices regarding monitoring and
savings and efficiency improvements in water optimizing usage.
and energy management.
• Increased awareness and communication
Approximately 1.3m kWh of gas was saved in 2020 around water consumption, by sharing
as compared to 2018, and gas intensity improved information with relevant users.
from 74.75 kWh / head to 71.16 kWh / head. • R
egular leak detection and washdown audits
with non-conformances raised on an
environmental action log.
• Installation of water sub-meters to monitor hot
DAWN
DAWNMEATS
MEATS PRESTON
PRESTON 75.00
75.00
Primary Gas
Primary Intensity
Gas Improvement
Intensity Improvement Primary Gas
Primary Savings
Gas Savings water use and identify areas for refinement.
• A
chievement of the ISO50001 certification
kWh / Head
kWh / Head (kWh) GasGas
(kWh) Consumption in 000’s
Consumption in 000’s
75.00
helped Preston to promote a culture of
75.00 220220
continuous improvement.
56.25
56.25 165165
37.50
37.50
110110
55 55
18.75
18.75
0 0
0.00
0.00 1 1 11 11 21 21 31 31 41 41 53 53
2018
2018 2019
2019 2020
2020 Weeks in 2018
Weeks in 201829 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Food Waste
Around one third of all food produced for as Animal By-products (ABPs) are unfit for human TARGETS
human consumption is lost or wasted, consumption, as designated by statutory We are signatories to WRAP’s Food Waste
accounting for approximately 8% of total regulation. There are 3 categories of ABPs: Reduction Roadmap and Courtauld Commitment
anthropogenic emissions and utilising about 2025, a national food industry collective to
Category 1 is known as Specified Risk Material
a quarter of the water used in agriculture. reduce waste in the UK by 50% by 2030, which
and is the most highly regulated. It is processed
using high temperatures and used for energy aligns with the United Nations Sustainable
As a result of our commitment to valorisation, production including biodiesel. Development Goal 12.3.
utilisation, and LEAN processing, food waste from
our operations and production as a percentage Category 2 includes partially digested grass in the
of finished product was 0.24% in 2020. We are stomach and is sent for anaerobic digestion, with PROGRESS
always looking to add value to all parts of the resultant outputs such as energy and compost.
In addition to WRAP’s Food Waste Reduction
livestock we process. Certain elements, known Roadmap and Courtauld Commitment 2025,
Category 3 includes parts of the animal deemed
to be very low risk. After processing in a we are members of Meat in a Net Zero World,
controlled environment, it is used variously as and are working collaboratively with these groups
ingredients in manufacturing or processing of to reduce food waste along the supply chain in
petfoods, oleochemicals, biodiesel and fertilizer. the UK.
The animal processing industry have become Between 2019 and 2020 we donated 125,000
leaders in resource optimisation and in creating meal portions to to front-line workers, people
circular business models as ABPs are utilised in need and community groups.
upstream of the business and this organic
material is not considered waste.30 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Food Waste Action Week
In March 2021, WRAP organised the UK’s first In May 2021, WRAP reported that:
ever Food Waste Action Week, a consumer • o
ne in three UK adults heard or saw messaging
engagement campaign to demonstrate the about food waste during the campaign
impact and drivers of food waste, alerting UK
• a
lmost half of those who saw Food Waste
citizens to the link between waste food and
Action Week messaging reported either doing
climate change, and to highlight ways to reduce
something to reduce food waste or planning
waste in the home.
to do so in future
We were a Strategic Partner for the campaign, • f ollowing the success of the campaign, Food
along with 40 leading organisations in the UK Waste Action Week 2022 has been confirmed.
food sector.31 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 SUSTAINABLE SOURCING Sustainable Sourcing At Dawn Meats we recognise the need to source our products and services responsibly, while considering the environmental, social, ethical and economic impacts of our procurement decisions. This guiding principle ensures we make properly informed sourcing choices which support sustainable supply chains.
32 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
Strategic Procurement
Our Strategic Procurement Team (SPT) play A key function of the SPT is to manage supply
a central role in sustainable sourcing. chain risk through a process of identification and
mitigation, with prospective suppliers required
Led by the Engineering Director and the Primary to complete and pass an initial Pre-Qualification
Commercial and Livestock Procurement Director, Questionnaire and a subsequent supplier approval
the SPT is comprised of buyers with expert process. Each product or service category is
knowledge of their assigned categories, such as analysed and assigned a risk rating, which
livestock, packaging, equipment, machinery, determines the level of engagement, due
ingredients and consumables. diligence and risk mitigation required.
Once the provision of services or the supply of
materials commences, the supplier relationship
is managed and monitored via regular reviews
and key performance indicators, which include
environmental, ethical and other social
considerations. Suppliers are expected to operate
in accordance with our policies throughout their
relationship with us.
We export our beef and lamb products Where requirements are not met, we work with the
to over 50 countries, but we source suppliers concerned to establish a plan to improve
materials from approximately 150 performance and achieve the standards expected.33 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 SUSTAINABLE SOURCING Ingredients We source ingredients from around the world. Certain sourcing regions present challenges around full supply chain transparency, traceability, visibility and security of supply. The pandemic has had a dramatic impact on large producer countries, increasing uncertainty and lead times. We expect our ingredients suppliers to be audited and certificated to the required British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standards. We are part of the Food Network for Ethical Trade’s (FNET) raw materials working group and we engage with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and factor best practice guidance into our procedures and operations. We have established strategic partnerships with key suppliers and are continuously working to simplify and improve supply chain traceability. We employ frequent forecasting to manage and match supply volumes with requirements, to reduce food waste.
34 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
Animal Feed and
Sustainable Soya
Population Demand for Deforestation
Growth animal feed
Conversion of
WORLDWIDE POPULATION INCREASE
Increased Demand native vegetation
Demand for Meat for Soya
CO2
Carbon Emissions Land speculation
and grabbing
Loss of Biodiversity
Altered water systems Use of pesticides
and drought35 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
Expanding commodity production, Our ambition is that all soya used as animal feed
including soya, timber and palm oil, is in our supply chain is produced in a way that
driving deforestation and conversion of protects against deforestation and the
native vegetation, particularly in developing conversion of valuable native vegetation.
economies.
• W
e are members of the UK Roundtable for
This results in a loss of biodiversity, increasing Sustainable Soya, working with industry and
emissions and pollution, damaging the supply chain partners to transition volumes
environment and human health and altering of soya from high-risk sources to legal and
natural water systems causing droughts. verified deforestation free sources.
Considerable efforts have been made to halt • S
uccess will require the collaborative efforts
deforestation through environmental legislation and support of all supply chain actors: soya
such as the Brazilian Forest Code and through producers, traders, feed manufacturers and
sectoral agreements such as the Amazon Soy suppliers, livestock farmers, processors and
Moratorium and more must be done to protect retailers.
forests, savannahs and other eco-systems which
• F
rom 2021, where livestock are finished as part
are extremely valuable from a climate and
of bespoke company projects and programmes,
biodiversity perspective.
we will purchase RTRS Credits.
Dawn Meats do not purchase soya directly, and
• P
rogress will be reported annually to the
the volumes used in animal feed in pork, poultry
UK Roundtable for Sustainable Soya, 3Keel
and cheese supply chains are substantially higher
and CDP Forests.
than used in Irish and UK beef systems.36 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
Ethical Trade
Our Goal is to ensure our sites and supply Supplier Workplace Accountability Audits. When
chains are in compliance with the requirements we award new contracts, suppliers are requested
of our Business Code of Conduct and Supplier to become members of the SEDEX and undergo
Code of Conduct, both of which are guided by a SMETA audit.
the Ethical Trade Initiative Base Code.
By 2022, we aim to have 100% of our high risk
We have an Ethical Trade Strategy and Committee category suppliers registered on SEDEX.
to monitor issues such as modern slavery and
Through the FNET platform, we work with our
human rights risks in our supply chains. We are
customers to address common human rights
AB members of the Supplier Ethical Data
challenges, for example, poor transparency in
Exchange (SEDEX), and our sites undergo Sedex
certain ingredients supply chains.
Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) and / or37 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
Priorities and Objectives
1 Continuously improve supply chain 9 Engage our colleagues to raise awareness of
transparency and traceability. the principles of the ETI Base Code and ensure
key personnel receive all necessary training.
2 Risk assess all our sites and our supply base.
10 Collaborate
with customers, stakeholders,
3 Put measures in place to mitigate and
governance bodies and supplier peer groups
eliminate identified risks
to promote and integrate best practice.
4 Continuously review and update our Supply
Chain Risk Management Model
FIVE PILLARS
5 Continue to review and update the
Pre-Qualification and selection process Embedding Ethical Trade: Governance
for all suppliers. & Accountability
6 Allsuppliers to adhere to the expectations Resilient and Transparent Supply Chains:
outlined in our Supplier Code of Conduct. Risk Identification & Mitigation
7 Maintain and achieve a positive trend on Protection of Human Rights:
all SMETA and Supplier Workplace Employee Identification, Immigration,
Accountability Audits Safety & Wellbeing
8 Effectively
challenge and confront the risk Staff Engagement: Training &
of Modern Slavery within our business and Communication
supply chains.
Collaboration: Achieving Success at Scale38 | Dawn Meats Group – Sustainability Report 2021 SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
Ethical Trade Progress
TRAINING CONFIDENTIAL
Human Resource managers complete training WHISTLEBLOWING HOTLINE
in relation to the threats posed by labour Safecall is an independent confidential reporting
exploitation and abuse. In 2020 we increased mechanism for identifying potential wrongdoing
awareness and vigilance of the threats and risks at work. We aligned Safecall with our independent
posed by labour exploitation during the confidential reporting hotline and Stronger
pandemic, and “Stronger Together” workshops Together infrastructure to create an internal
were carried out. Stronger Together provides mechanism for immediate response should we
guidance, training, resources and a network be alerted to a potential instance of labour abuse,
for employers, labour providers and workers exploitation or modern slavery. The Safecall and
offering a range of specialist training on tackling Stronger Together literature sit together
modern slavery. multilingually across the UK and Ireland.
RESPONSIBLE RECRUITMENT
Key staff attended Responsible Recruitment
workshops and webinars, and in 2020 we
commenced discussions with key labour
providers to reach a consensus on best practice
guidelines. In 2020 we undertook an internal
review of the Responsible Recruitment Toolkit,
escalating findings to labour providers and
supporting the creation of long-term strategies.You can also read
