This week’s percentage-heavy headline figures span investment in renewable power by a drinks brand, a reduction in methane emissions by a food and drink giant, the GHG-reducing potential of biochar, and a lack of data on ESG-focused businesses by local councils.
100%. Renewable energy now used to power cider production for Cornish Orchards. The Asahi-owned brand has removed the need for fossil fuels at its cider farm in Duloe, Cornwall by installing a combined air and water heat pump system to replace the diesel boiler used to generate hot water. The heat pump is powered by electricity that is bought directly from a solar farm in Somerset, while diesel previously used for some farm equipment has been replaced with a plant-based biofuel.
25.3%. The reduction in methane emissions Danone says it has achieved from its fresh milk supply since 2020; this puts the company on track to hit its target for a 30% reduction by 2030. Fresh milk accounts for roughly 70% of Danone’s methane emissions. Reductions to-date have been made by improving herd, manure and feed management, and by investing in innovations like methane inhibitors and feed additives.
30%. Lucozade owner Suntory Holdings believes this level of reduction in GHG emissions can be achieved by applying biochar to farms within its supply chain. Combined with the use of cover crops, the company, which also owns drinks brands like Jim Bean and Makers Mark, says introducing biochar to the soil will reduce the need for chemical fertiliser by 50% while improving drainage and aeration, Edie reported. Biochar is a carbon-rich organic material formed when biomass is heated in the absence of air.
95%. The proportion of local councils in England who couldn’t provide details of the number of ESG-focused businesses within their supplier list. The figure comes from a freedom of information request by Gusto Group, a collaboration of East Midlands businesses. The group said the absence of data means councils, 282 of which responded, may not have a sense of how environmentally conscious their suppliers truly are.
