Kiwis wanting to help the environment can now enjoy Waitoa Free Range chicken – the first carbon zero free range chicken in Aotearoa New Zealand to be accredited by Toitū’s independent certification.
‘’We know our customers appreciate the good things in life. Now that our premium, delicious, free range chicken is carbon zero we’re bringing even more goodness to people and the planet,” said Jonathan Gray, Chief Executive.
“I applaud and congratulate Waitoa for becoming New Zealand’s first Toitū carbonzero™ certified free range chicken product producer. Waitoa has shown a real commitment to measuring, managing, and mitigating its impact on the environment and we at Toitū are proud to support Waitoa in its ongoing commitment to taking credible, science-based climate action and showing New Zealanders and the world that our net zero future is achievable,” said Becky Lloyd, Chief Executive of Toitū Envirocare.
New Zealand households have increasingly been choosing chicken as an affordable source of protein. Chicken also has the lowest carbon footprint compared to other land-based meat proteins and Waitoa is planning to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint even further. When people choose Waitoa Free Range chicken they can trust they are supporting ethically raised chickens and reducing their carbon footprint at the same time.
Being carbon zero is another first for Waitoa with the company being first in New Zealand to gain SPCA accreditation in 2013.
To qualify for the Toitū carbonzero™ certification, Waitoa had to demonstrate how it will reduce the emissions across the supply chain and measure the progress. Emissions from sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, packaging, and disposal are factored, with Waitoa measuring and reporting on annual carbon footprint reductions. Waitoa has partnered up with Toitū-approved local projects in Marlborough and offshore to offset unavoidable carbon emissions to achieve net-zero emissions.
Waitoa is committed to Science Based Targets on GHG emissions that align to the UN 2015 Paris Agreement, as well as water use and landfill waste reduction targets. All these measures have improved year-on-year and more than 90% of solid waste generated from operations is diverted from landfill.
Reducing packaging is a key part of Waitoa’s sustainability goals as plastic has traditionally played an important role in food safety. Waitoa plans to use 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025.
“We take an evidence-based approach to reducing our footprint leading in reducing carbon emissions, water stewardship and sustainable agriculture and production. Our strategy is about doing good for our people, community, environment and business so we can leave both the business and the environment in a good place for the next generation,” said Jonathan.
