Moy Park becomes UK sustainable soybean trailblazer
The certification recognises the company's Northern Ireland supply chain for sustainable soybean production from source to customer.
The standard certifies that the soy used by the company has been produced in an environmentally appropriate, socially conscious and economically viable way, free from deforestation and conversion. With a rigorous and robust verification and certification system, the CoC ensures transparency across the process with audits conducted by independent and accredited certification bodies.
The breakthrough dovetails with other eco-friendly ambitions already set out by the business. It is currently targeting a 2% year-on-year relative improvement in energy use and a 1% year-on-year relative improvement in water use and continues to commit to zero waste to landfill across its 12 manufacturing sites and European agricultural base.
Environmental Management System
Moy Park's processing facilities, hatcheries and mills all operate an Environmental Management System (EMS) which will be externally certified to, or will be in alignment with, ISO 14001 standard. The EMS encompasses relevant environmental aspects, sets out the sites' improvement plans, and monitors progress towards these.
The company's zero waste to landfill goal was achieved in 2014 and announced on World Environment Day. It was the first poultry company to sign up to the Courtauld Commitment 2 to reduce packaging, household food waste, and reduce product and packaging waste in the supply chain.
It is also a signatory of the Federation House Commitment. Moy Park participates in the EU ETS emissions reduction scheme and the Climate Change Agreement Scheme, which covers industrial and agricultural sectors.
Moy Park has achieved a top 'Platinum' level result from Business in the Community's ARENA Network environmental benchmark, the leading independent accreditation of its kind for Northern Ireland companies.
Net zero
“Further advancing environmental stewardship and developing the sustainable food agenda are key elements of our journey to net zero," said Justin Coleman, Moy Park’s agribusiness and live production services director at Moy Park.
"As part of this focus, we are delighted to receive the CoC Standard for soybean traceability which has been spearheaded by our leading feed mill in Northern Ireland in conjunction with our raw material sourcing team.
“Working closely with stakeholders and customers, we have always been fully committed to responsible sourcing. This new standard builds on our already strong credentials by providing end-to-end supply chain certification between Moy Park and the customer. We look forward to building on this achievement and increasing the volume we can provide to our partners.”
Environmentally sustainable poultry
Jemima Jewell, Moy Park partner and agriculture and responsible sourcing lead at Waitrose, said: “We welcome this industry leading move by Moy Park, which supports our shared goals of producing more environmentally sustainable poultry."
In addition to addressing environmental goals, Moy Park has focused on nurturing talent and skills this year, with the launch of a new apprenticeship programme and an Agricultural Academy.
