Irish food and drinks industry praised for ISO standards
Certification Europe has praised the Irish food and drinks industry for embracing ISO standards which promote safe, environmentally-friendly food production.
The theme for this year’s World Accreditation Day (9 June) is the role that accreditation plays in supporting the provision of safe food and clean drinking water.
“The largest costs related to the food and drinks sector are production and energy costs, which means companies are continually researching environmental and energy efficiency cost saving methods,” said Michael Brophy, CEO of Certification Europe.
“Initiating ISO certification in these areas offers numerous sustainable environmental benefits for an organisation such as reduced water usage, increased energy efficiency, reduced packaging and increased re-cycling of by-products.”
One of the top ten exporters from Ireland Dawn Meats recently achieved ISO 14001 environmental management certification from Certification Europe.
As a result its water usage had reduced by over 10,000 m3 per annum and over 70,000 litres of oil have been saved annually through new energy awareness measures, thus reducing Dawn Meats carbon footprint dramatically.
In addition the company has instigated a new eco designed packaging for products which reduces overall packaging and increased recycling for the company.
Diageo Baileys Global Supply in St James Gate, Dublin has transitioned from the energy management standard EN16001 to ISO 50001 over the past year, allowing it to remain a market leader in sustainable energy efficiency in its sector and to reduce overall energy costs and environmental impact.