It’s good to know where your potatoes come from.
It’s even better to know they come from a company committed to working in harmony with the environment.
OUR ENVIRONMENT
It’s good to know where your potatoes come from. It’s even better to now they come from a company committed to working in harmony with the environment, and committed to being net zero by 2040
OUR COMMITMENT
At Albert Bartlett, we’re dedicated to looking after the environment on the farms and our production sites. We’re proud to have won several awards for our commitment. Please click on the links to view more details of our commitments and actions.
OUR COMMITMENT STARTS ON FARM
As a family of farmers, we’re passionate about conserving and nurturing the environment that surrounds us. These are just some of the ways we work with our growers to look after the environment:
- All growers are planned to be LEAF accredited by end of 2023
- Use of renewables – solar panels on cold store roof, wind turbine, etc
- Carbon reduction plans – include more sustainable varieties, low carbon fertilizer, etc
OUR COMMITTMENT TO BEING NET ZERO BY 2040
We aim to take action against climate change by being net zero in our carbon emissions by 2040. We will achieve this by setting Science Based Targets (SBT), verified by the Science Based Target Institute.
We have measured our Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions With support from specialists, we have developed a Carbon Management Plan, and we are encouraging our suppliers to commit to being net zero and set Science Based Targets.
SCIENCE BASED TARGETS
Targets are considered science-based if they align with what the latest climate science says is necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – to limit global warming to well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.
We will set near, and long terms targets covering our Scope 1,2 & 3 emissions, that will be aligned to the reductions necessary in the Paris Agreement. Near-term targets cover emissions reductions for the next 5-10 years, while long-term targets cover the total level of decarbonisation we need to achieve by 2040.
More details on Science Based Targets can be found at the Science Based Targets Institute website here.
https://sciencebasedtargets.org/
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are 17 goals with 169 targets that all UN Member States have agreed to work towards achieving by the year 2030, setting out a vision for a world free from poverty, hunger and disease.
We have linked our net zero ambition to the UN SDGs to demonstrate our support to these important global goals. Food waste target For more information on the UNSDGs, visit their website here.
THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development (un.org)
OUR COMMITMENT ON OUR PRODUCTION SITES
At all of our production sites, we carefully monitor our energy consumption, which allows us to identify opportunities to reduce energy and our carbon emissions. We use energy-efficient management systems to minimise our use of gas, electricity and water.
- In Airdrie, 70% of the water we use to wash our potatoes is rainwater collected from the roof. A further 25% is from our own borehole. We have a water-recycling system which further reduces our use of this precious resource.
- Our team at our Airdrie site has planted over 25,000 trees.
- Our Westwick site switched boiler fuels and saved around 1,600 tCO2e
- Our Boston and Airdrie sites have an Environmental Management System (EMS) certified to the ISO 14001 standard, and we are working to get our Westwick site to the same standard.
- VIBES/SFDXA applications
OUR COMMITMENT TO RENEWABLE ENERGY
Our Jersey site, which already uses low carbon electricity, has recently with Jersey Electricity, installed solar PV panels on the roof of the site.
We are also looking at various options for expanding renewable electricity generation at our other sites.
As part of setting our Science Based Targets, we will commit to using 100% renewable electricity by 2030, or sooner if possible.
OUR COMMITMENT TO REDUCING WASTE
Potatoes not suitable for our fresh range are diverted to our added value range, and any not fit for human consumption go for animal feed or Anaerobic Digestion.
We send no waste to landfill at our Airdrie, Boston, Westwick or Jersey sites.
We have a comprehensive recycling infrastructure in place at our sites to ensure we maximise recycling, and minimise waste for energy recovery. We work continually on site to identify waste reduction opportunities, and work with our waste management suppliers to find new routes that provide greater resource recovery for our waste.
Our fresh production operations generate no food waste, and where we do generate food waste, we send it to Anaerobic Digestion to generate energy, or to be processed into biofuel.
As well as signatories to the WRAP Courtauld Commitment 2030, we are also supporters of WRAP Food Waste reduction Roadmap and other working groups within WRAP. In June 2022, we took part in a WRAP pilot for Scope 3 GHG guidance for the Food & Drinks industry. The guidance aims to help food & drinks companies measure their Scope 3 emissions and is based on guidance from the GHG Protocol and Science Based target Institute. You can find out more about the Courtauld 2030 the Food Waste Reduction Roadmap here.
Food Waste Reduction Roadmap | WRAP
OUR COMMITMENT TO GOOD WATER STEWARDSHIP
Water is a precious resource, and in some areas of the UK, it is becoming a scarce one as climate change puts a strain on water availability. We are signatories to the WRAP Water Roadmap, which aims to achieve a high level of good water stewardship through collective action. This link will take you to the WRAP website where you can find out more information on the Water Roadmap.
A Roadmap Towards Water Security for Food and Drink Supply | WRAP
OUR COMMITMENT TO REDUCING PLASTIC PACKAGING
Plastic packaging has been in the headlines for its impact on the environment. We recognise the need for action, but also recognise that plastic packaging can help keep food fresh longer, thereby reducing food waste.
We are working with our suppliers and customers to ensure responsible use of plastic packaging by, reducing the amount of plastic packaging we use, working to ensure our plastic packaging is recyclable where possible, and include recycled plastic where feasible.
OUR COMMITMENT TO BIODIVERSITY
Our Operational Biodiversity Action Plan was developed with support from the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The plan identifies the biodiversity across our mainland UK production sites and has identified ways to protect and enhance site biodiversity. Activities include:
- Tree planting
- Bee hives
- Planting wild flower meadows
- Landscaping areas to encourage greater biodiversity
OUR COMMITMENT STARTS ON THE FARM
As a family of farmers, we’re passionate about conserving and nurturing the environment that surrounds us. These are just some of the ways we work with our growers to look after the environment
- Commit to all growers being LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) Marque certified
- More sustainably farmed products through integrated farm management and regenerative farming, improving
- Soil health
- Water management
- Energy efficiency
- Landscape and nature conservation
- More sustainably farmed products through integrated farm management and regenerative farming, improving
- Investment in renewable energy
- Solar panels on chilled potato storages
- Wind turbines
- Identify and commit to carbon reduction plan
- Sustainable varieties
- Optimised storage efficiencies
- Low carbon fertilisers
- Increased biodiversity
SCOTTISH WILDLIFE TRUST
Scotland, where we grow most of our potatoes, has some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. It’s also home to hugely varied species of wildlife.
We are Platinum Corporate Members of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the largest charity working exclusively for the protection of all Scotland’s wildlife. It manages over 124 wildlife reserves across Scotland, ranging from Highland estates to urban green spaces. We are proud to support their mission to protect wildlife.