introduction
As part of the Allied Bakeries carbon reduction programme we were asked to carry out a product carbon footprint for three bread products in the Kingsmill range. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the lifecycle of Kingsmill Great Everyday White, Tasty Wholemeal and 50:50 were assessed in accordance with the PAS 2050 specification and calculations were subsequently audited by the Carbon Trust in line with their consistency standards.
challenge
Allied Bakeries recognised that the GHG emissions associated
with the food we consume are a significant contributor to global
warming and as such want to assess the carbon footprint of some of
their products. Kingsmill, a top 10 grocery item in the UK, was the
chosen brand and Great Everyday White, Tasty Wholemeal and 50:50
the chosen products.
Due to the scale of operation, with these products being in many of
our shopping trolleys, a reduction in GHG emissions can be
significant. Allied Bakeries wanted to identify 'hotspots' across
the lifecycle of these products to establish which areas to focus
their attention on and which had the potential to yield the
greatest carbon savings. They also wanted to communicate to their
customers and stakeholders this commitment to reduce the products'
contribution to climate change.
solution
The GHG emissions from each life cycle stage of these bread
products were calculated, including cultivation and pre-processing
of ingredients, transportation, packaging, baking, consumer phase
and end of life disposal. This approach to calculating a product's
carbon footprint uses a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology
whereby all stages in the supply chain of a product are
considered.
We use a LCA approach in line with the widely accepted PAS
2050 specification and the Carbon Trust's "Footprint Expert"
methodology, ensuring that carbon footprints are comparable to
other products worldwide. To further ensure comparability,
credibility and confidence, the calculations of the study were
subjected to a third party certification by the Carbon Trust.
The detailed information released by these product carbon
footprints enabled us to identify 'hotspots' in the lifecycle
and recommend carbon reduction initiatives. The information
contained within the footprint also provides valuable information
on the supply chain, which can allow any potential risks to be
identified and managed.
outcome
Kingsmill Great Everyday White and Tasty Wholemeal were
calculated to have carbon footprints of 1.3 kg CO2e per
800g loaf, whereas 50:50 has a footprint of 1.2 kg
CO2e.
Allied Bakeries have become the first bread producer to use the
Carbon Trust's Carbon Reduction Label on packaging, which
demonstrates their commitment to carbon reductions and provides a
platform to communicate with their customers. They have been
incredibly enthusiastic about this achievement and have been keen
to communicate this achievement in their
marketing; demonstrating to their customers, staff and investors
their environmental commitment and leadership in this area. This is
likely to generate increased sales from environmentally conscious
consumers, which provides a good financial incentive to carbon
label products.
"Allied Bakeries were pleased to have worked alongside The Carbon Trust and Sustain Ltd to produce the first carbon label of a bread product in the UK. The project was delivered by Sustain on time and within budget and was verified as in accordance with the PAS 2050 specification and the requirements of the carbon label."
Sue Burrell, Head of Compliance and Information, Allied Bakeries
