Premier Foods ramps up investments to accelerate reductions

Premier Foods has detailed a new wave of capital investment across its UK manufacturing estate as it pushes forward with its Enriching Life Plan, reporting further reductions in operational emissions and significant progress on low‑carbon infrastructure.

The company confirmed a 14% year‑on‑year reduction in Scope 1 and 2 market‑based emissions, driven by targeted upgrades in renewable energy generation, heat‑efficiency systems and modernised utilities. The investments form part of Premier Foods’ long‑term decarbonisation roadmap, which is aligned with Science Based Targets initiative validation.

Solar expansion delivers major carbon savings

A centrepiece of this year’s programme is the completion of a £2.1 million solar farm at Carlton Bakery in South Yorkshire. The 2.9‑hectare installation features 3,500 solar panels and is capable of supplying up to 75% of the site’s electricity demand during peak production. Premier Foods estimates the project will cut carbon emissions by around 468 tonnes annually, while strengthening energy resilience for one of its key bakery operations.

The company said the project demonstrates how on‑site renewable generation can materially reduce reliance on grid electricity and support long‑term cost stability for high‑volume food production.

Boiler upgrades boost efficiency at Worksop

At its Worksop site — home to brands including Batchelors, Bisto and OXO — Premier Foods has completed two major steam‑boiler upgrades as part of a £3.3 million investment. The new systems significantly improve thermal efficiency and are expected to reduce emissions by approximately 686 tonnes per year.

The upgrades form part of a wider programme to modernise utilities across the estate, replacing older equipment with higher‑efficiency, lower‑carbon alternatives.

Heat recovery and wider efficiency measures

Additional improvements include heat‑recovery technology at Lifton Creamery, enabling the site to capture and reuse waste heat, reducing overall energy consumption. Premier Foods also continued to roll out smaller‑scale efficiency measures across its network, contributing to cumulative emissions reductions.

Sustainability embedded in growth strategy

Nick Brown, ESG director, said the company is making “meaningful progress across all three pillars of Product, Planet and People,” emphasising the role of low‑carbon investment in supporting responsible, long‑term growth.