Lamb Weston/Meijer publishes sustainability report

Potato processor Lamb Weston/Meijer has published its sustainability report for 2015/16, proving it’s on target to achieve its sustainability objectives for 2020.

Compared to 2008, energy consumption per tonne of product has reduced by more than 21% and potato utilisation has improved by 4.5%. The company 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 fats through its products.

The company’s sustainability strategy focuses on six areas – water, energy & emissions, potato & waste, employees, food safety & quality and nutrition & health. A current focus is a circular economy; by finding the most useful destinations for all the by-products and waste flows from its processes, the company achieves environmental gains and more efficient production. Since 2008 it sends zero waste to landfill, and as of 2016 only 0.2% is incinerated.

The priorities for the coming two years include reducing direct water consumption and further improvement of the nutritional value of its portfolio products (less salt and less fat). There will be even more focus on making the value chain more sustainable, from fork to field. The reduction of food waste remains a priority on the agenda.