Sustainability at Traditional Cheese Company: Responsible Practices from Farm to Fork
Sustainability and Traditional Cheese Company
At Traditional Cheese Company, sustainability is not just a commitment, it’s part of who we are. From responsible sourcing to renewable energy, we aim to make a positive impact across every stage of our supply chain. For us, being sustainable means protecting natural resources, supporting local communities, and continuously improving how we operate, from farm to fork.
Our most recent review highlights key achievements:
- 65% of raw materials sourced from certified suppliers (SDAS, Red Tractor, Organic, Origin Green)
- 276 solar panels installed, supplying one-third of total electricity use
- 98% sustainable packaging, reducing our environmental footprint
- 7 wellbeing initiatives completed in 2024, strengthening our inclusive culture
We are proud to be part of Origin Green and Love Irish Food – two initiatives that embody quality, integrity, and care for people and the planet. Together, they reflect Traditional Cheese Company’s commitment to building a more sustainable future for Irish food.
Origin Green
Traditional Cheese Company are proud members of Bord Bia – Origin Green, Ireland’s national food and drink sustainability programme. The programme sets measurable targets across areas such as raw material sourcing, water use, energy, waste reduction, and social responsibility, ensuring a transparent and accountable approach to sustainability.
Having met and exceeded our sustainability targets, Traditional Cheese Company has earned Origin Green Gold Membership for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) – recognition of our exceptional performance in areas such as packaging, energy efficiency, and employee wellbeing.
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Our Products and Supply Chain
We have maintained strong partnerships with our artisan cheesemakers across the island of Ireland since 1985. Food safety and traceability are at the core of our operations, as demonstrated by our BRC AA standard accreditation.
At Traditional Cheese Company, we prioritise working with suppliers who uphold responsible and sustainable practices. All of our partners are licensed by recognised authorities and hold certifications such as Red Tractor, SDAS, EU Organic Certs, and Rainforest Alliance. This ensures that all our products meet the highest standards of safety and sustainability.
Product Packaging
We are committed to continually improving the sustainability of our packaging. Over the past year, we have increased our use of recyclable materials by 16%, reflecting our ongoing focus on reducing environmental impact. As a result, 97% of all outgoing product packaging is now fully recyclable.
We are actively exploring new innovations and materials, ensuring that our packaging supports both product integrity and environmental responsibility.
Energy and Waste Management
Energy efficiency and waste reduction are key pillars of our sustainability strategy. In 2024, we installed 276 solar panels across all sites, which now supply approximately one-third of our total electricity use, a major step forward in reducing our carbon footprint.
We are dedicated to managing our environmental impact responsibly. Through our waste segregation plan, waste materials are efficiently recycled wherever possible.
To further reduce food waste, our Lean Management Team monitors stock levels closely to prevent overproduction. We also partner with organisations such as Food Cloud and FSM, transforming surplus food into biofuel – converting waste into renewable energy.
Employee Wellbeing
Traditional Cheese Company is committed to building a workplace where diversity, equality, and collaboration are celebrated.
We believe that a positive work environment begins with people, and we actively invest in creating a space where every team member can thrive both personally and professionally.
By promoting equality and inclusion at every level of our organisation, we aim to create a workplace culture that reflects the diverse communities we serve and supports the wellbeing of all employees.
