When it comes to environmental protection, the meat industry is seen as one of the least sustainable industries, and for good reasons too. The production of meat increases the amount of man-made greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, which all contribute to global warming and climate change. To support this, research from FAO (Food and Agriculture Statistics) suggests that 14.5% of all global man-made greenhouse gas emissions are caused by livestock farming.
With the government’s plans to reach net zero by 2050, there has been increased concerns on climate change and sustainability. As a result, most, if not all industries including the meat industry are being recommended to adapt some aspects of their operations to minimise their impact on the environment. It may seem impossible, but fortunately, there are some ways the meat industry can adopt better practices to help protect the environment while still producing high-quality meat products for customers.
One effective way wholesale meat suppliers, abattoirs and slaughterhouses can become more sustainable is by looking at their meat sources. Working with farmers who prioritise animal welfare and use environmentally-friendly practices such as adding additives to animal feed to reduce the release of methane, improving soil health and managing water usage contribute to a more sustainable supply chain. Additionally, partnering with local farmers reduces the carbon footprint of wholesale meat suppliers, abattoirs and slaughterhouses whilst supporting the local economy.
At HP Westwood, we take great pride in sourcing fresh meat from local Staffordshire farmers who follow sustainable practices. By supporting local farmers and building long-lasting partnerships, we are able to reduce our carbon footprint in the process. When we choose farmers to partner with, we require them to reach our stringent standards to ensure optimum food safety.
Traceability is extremely important to us, so we ensure our farmers supply us with 100% traceable meat to achieve customer satisfaction while promoting a sustainable supply chain. To learn more about how we work with our partnering farmers, read our Information For Farmers page.
As a trusted retail meat provider and a specialist in slaughter and abattoir, we understand the impact the meat industry has on the environment and we are committed in making continuous efforts in our state-of-art facility to protect the environment and minimise our impact as much as possible. If you would like to learn more about sustainable practices at HP Westwood, please speak to a member of our team by calling us on 01543 279463.