ABP has teamed up with ESB to achieve an 80% reduction in carbon emissions at its Clones site through the installation of an advanced water heating system.

This achievement translates to a reduction of approximately 1,692 tons of CO2 annually.

The innovative heating system captures and recycles heat generated by refrigeration units, repurposing it to heat water used for cleaning, processing, and hygiene. This efficient process minimises reliance on traditional heating methods, requiring only a smaller, more efficient gas boiler for supplemental heating. The system operates on a principle akin to domestic air-to-water heat pumps but optimises waste heat instead of air.

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The initiative is part of ABP's ambitious decarbonisation strategy, which aims to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% from 2021 levels by 2030 across its operations in Ireland, the UK, and Europe. The strategy, validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), underscores ABP’s commitment to sustainability.

ABP's overarching sustainability ethos, 'Doing More with Less', aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasising resource efficiency and productivity throughout the supply chain. From farm operations to processing facilities and the final consumer, the company continues to lead efforts in reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining operational excellence.

Kevin Cahill, Managing Director, ABP Ireland & Poland said: "This is a very exciting innovative project for ABP and an important step in our drive for greater sustainability. This is a pilot project at the Clones site, we are in the process of replicating it at another of our facilities. This will result in an enormous reduction in the carbon footprint and go a long way to achieving our carbon reduction targets as set out by the Science Based Targets initiative."