Initial findings from a research project into the environmental impact of Quorn mince show the meat alternative’s carbon footprint is at least a third lower than beef mince.
Premier Foods-owned Marlow Foods commissioned De Montfort University’s Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development last year to calculate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions involved in Quorn’s production, from field to factory gate.
Early results show Quorn mince has at least a third less embedded carbon than beef mince. The data was revealed by Marlow’s head of innovation Tim Finnigan at a Post-Copenhagen Action-Planning Summit, organised by the Food and Drink Innovation Network.
“Beef could have 10 times as much carbon as Quorn, but we need further research,” he said. The information could be used as part of a green marketing campaign, encouraging consumers to switch from beef to Quorn, he added.
Researchers spent four months assessing the carbon footprint of Marlow’s three factories in North Yorkshire, Teesside and Norfolk against the BSI standard PAS 2050, which is recognised by The Carbon Trust.
Marlow plans to obtain more accurate GHG emission calculations from suppliers before the study data is submitted for peer review.