Leeds Beckett University and Thirsk-based Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN) have joined forces in a bid to cut carbon emissions in the pet food supply chain.
The North Yorkshire firm is wants to become one of the UK's first pet food manufacturer to analyse the sustainability of its whole supply chain using a carbon footprint evaluation model. IPN, which is responsible for brands such Harringtons and Wagg, will work with Leeds Beckett academics on the project and will begin by analysing energy usage.
Using data analysis techniques the team will determine which areas IPN needs to prioritise in order to make the greatest energy savings. The work will then enable IPN to make decisions about its choice of ingredients and suppliers.
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Professor Christopher Gorse, researcher in the Leeds Sustainability Institute (LSI) at Leeds Beckett and project leader, explained: "All large companies at the moment are progressing on a journey towards net zero – and IPN are already well on their way. They have already achieved carbon negative accreditation in relation to their on-site emissions, such as fuel and electricity consumption, known as ‘Scope 1 and 2’ of the international Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
"This project will set up a framework to analyse and evaluate IPN’s ‘Scope 3’ emissions – the carbon produced within the supply – or value – chain. This is the most difficult to measure and will ensure that IPN are a truly sustainable company."
Chris Wragg, group marketing director of IPN, said: "Sustainability is at the heart of our vision at IPN: to become the nation’s most sustainable, most loved, home of pet nutrition brands. This project will play a key role in understanding and improving our supply chain and business, helping us to continue to leave a positive pawprint in everything we do.
"For people, by enabling them to feed great nutrition they can afford and feel good about, meaning healthier and happier pets, and for the planet by reducing our environmental impact."
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) will begin with the recruitment of a full-time KTP associate - an experienced graduate - who will be embedded full-time in the IPN team for the duration of the two-year project. The associate will lead the project, with the full support and input from the academic team at Leeds Beckett.
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