Potato processor Lamb Weston/Meijer has published its sustainability report for 2015-2016 was published today. Lamb Weston/Meijer, a leading company in the area of high quality potato products, is well on its way to achieving its sustainability objectives for 2020. Over the last two years the company has made a number of significant investments to support those ambitions. Compared to the reference year 2008, energy consumption per tonne of product has reduced by more than 21% and potato utilisation has improved by 4.5%. Increasing transport by water and rail has reduced road transport by more than 6 million kilometres per year. Furthermore, Lamb Weston/Meijer pre-fries more than 82% of its products in a healthier frying oil. On an annual basis this equals a reduction of 9.6 million kilos of saturated fat through its products. The full report is available online at www.lambweston.eu.
Sustainable Six
Lamb Weston/Meijer has a sustainability strategy that goes beyond corporate social responsibility. They believe in creating shared value for their clients, suppliers, employees and future generations. The strategy focuses on six areas – the Sustainable Six. These are Water, Energy & Emissions, Potato & Waste, Employees, Food Safety & Quality and Nutrition & Health.
In 2015, the company opened a state-of-the-art receiving area in Kruiningen. This has led to better potato utilisation and improved product quality. In November 2016, it opened a new production line in Bergen op Zoom with the latest energy-efficiency technology. The new production line comprises innovations in the areas of cutting, optical grading, frying, freezing and utilities. All contributing to the ambition to produce even more sustainably and efficiently.
Lamb Weston/Meijer is also focusing heavily on a circular economy. By finding the most useful destinations for all the by-products and waste flows from its processes, it achieves environmental gains and more efficient production. Since 2008 Lamb Weston/Meijer sends zero waste to landfill and as of 2016 only 0.2% (mixed company waste) is incinerated.
With respect for Mother Nature
Bas Alblas, CEO Lamb Weston/Meijer: “There’s a limit to what you can ask Mother Nature to give you. Yet, if you treat her well she will respond in kind. It’s a symbiotic relationship in which both parties need to benefit. This standpoint is fundamental to our sustainability programme and strategy. We believe in give and take. In the micro and the macro. In the company and society.”
Opportunities for the coming period
The priorities for the coming two years include reducing direct water consumption and further improvement of the nutritional value of its potato products (less salt and less fat). And there will be even more focus on making the entire value chain more sustainable, from fork to field. The reduction of food waste remains a priority on the agenda. Furthermore, Lamb Weston/Meijer will continue to invest in its employees to be a Great Place to Work® now and in the future.
Online sustainability report 2015-2016
The full report complies with the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) guidelines at G4 Core level, whilst the Chapters on three of the Sustainable Six themes – Water, Energy & Emissions and Potato & Waste – have been reported at G4 Comprehensive level. The full English report and a summary in eight languages are available online. The next report will be published in 2019.
