Carving out a strong reputation for innovation and boasting state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, Pritchitts has a blue chip customer base and global coverage. As a major European dairy manufacturer, Pritchitts puts corporate social responsibility at the top of its agenda.
Environmental Best Practice
A member of the steering group that developed the Corporate Environmental Reporting Template used by both public and private sectors in Northern Ireland, Pritchitts has one of the sector's most energy efficient production plants. Operating a stringent environmental management system, Pritchitts achieved ISO14001 accreditation in 2004.
In addition, Pritchitts also received platinum status in 2008 in the 10th Environmental Management Survey, compiled by ARENA Network NI (environmental arm of Business in the Community). Reducing its carbon emissions by 75 per cent since 1999, Pritchitts has enjoyed a strong partnership with the Carbon Trust since 2004 and is part of its Carbon Management programme, which provides commercially viable solutions to help UK businesses and the public sector cut carbon, energy and costs.
The subject of a recent best practice case study by the Carbon Trust, Pritchitts' factory played host to a study tour organised by the Trust in late January. Deemed to be highly successful, the consensus from attendees was that the visit was extremely worthwhile and while many of them were involved in other sectors, there were common technological themes and solutions picked up from the site visit that could be easily applied to their production facilities.
Environmentally conscious and responsible, Pritchitts has been leading the way in the food processing industry to reduce CO2 emissions:-
- First dairy plant in Northern Ireland to convert to natural gas and to use advanced low NOx burners (2000)
- First dairy plant in the UK to install Combined Heat and Power (2002) which produces electricity on site from gas and uses the waste heat for factory process loads and space heating
- First factory in UK to install ultra advanced refrigeration plant with completely sealed compressors, electro-magnetic bearings and unparalleled efficiencies (2005)
- Continually working to reduce CO2 emissions over the last decade has produced impressive results with a 75 per cent reduction in CO2 per unit of output.
Aiming to reduce, reuse and recycle all wastes produced on site, it employs a hierarchy of waste management. Waste reduction opportunities are continually addressed throughout the site's operations and Pritchitts works directly with all packaging and raw material suppliers to reduce the volume of associated packaging that arrives on site.
Sustainability
Owned and managed by its farmers who make up Ireland's second largest dairy co-operative, Pritchitts works closely with its 2,500 farmers to ensure that they receive a fair return for their milk supply. Sourcing the finest quality raw milk from the lush green pastures of Ireland, its milk is collected and processed within 24 hours of receipt and can be traced right back to farm of origin.
