Why connection is key in ESG

When geese fly together, they fly in a V formation so that each member gives lift and reduces air resistance to the goose behind. By doing this, the flock can fly about 70% further with the same energy than if each goose were flying alone. ?

And businesses aren’t that different to geese. By working together, we drive positive change efficiently. And nowhere is that more true than in ESG. ??

In this article, I want to talk about why collaboration can be so fruitful when it comes to sustainability and some of the ways our site has collaborated to become more sustainable.?

The power of many?

At Cranswick Ballymena, we are firm believers in the power of collaboration when it comes to solving ESG challenges. When we collaborate, we don’t have to work out every problem alone. Instead, we can focus on our unique strengths and share our knowledge and resources with others to drive impact.?

Collaboration increases our access to invaluable data and research and exposes us to innovative new tech. It allows us to share risks with others, improve our reputation, increase our resilience, and have more meaningful discussions about complex ESG standards.?

For me, the best kind of collaboration is done not just for our own benefit, but when we are genuinely helping each other to progress and succeed. It’s about having a shared goal that we lift each other up to achieve. ??

Collaboration means allowing all voices to be heard and finding solutions to collective challenges. The more connected we are, the stronger we are, and the more meaningful action we can take on ESG. ??

Sustainable supply chains?

Supply chains are one of the key places we can make sustainable changes and collaboration is a key part of that. By working together, we can better identify and share solutions, invest in efficient technologies around transport and storage, and reduce the supply chain’s carbon footprint.?

I recently became a Director on the board of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association - NIFDA . Since joining, I have heard first hand of some of the challenges the industry faces in terms of supply chain resilience, fairness, and collaboration.?

Some voices, such as those of farmers, are not being heard enough. Governing bodies and supply chains need to work together to achieve fairness and reach carbon reduction goals. We need to listen to those who work in the supply chain, like farmers, and equip them to succeed, instead of enforcing unachievable transformation goals that disadvantage them. With their input, we can create goals which are truly achievable.?

I’m so proud of the partnerships Cranswick Ballymena has already formed to make our supply chains more sustainable.?

McCulla, who provide us with refrigerated transport for Ireland, produce renewable biogas through Anaerobic Digestion to power their vehicles. In 2023, this saved us net 16.7 tonnes of CO2. ?

As well as our distributor for England, Manfreight, who are leading the way with innovative sustainability initiatives, such as 100% recyclable trailers and their fully electric transport combination.?

PAR Biogas Ltd processes our CAT1/2 waste through an Anaerobic Digestion Plant. This produces biogas which runs two generators on their site and puts electricity back into the grid. With them, we’ve cut the equivalent of 1,286.34 tonnes of CO2e.?

We’ve also worked with our cold store supplier, Interfrigo, for many years now. They’re always thinking two steps ahead, leading the way in energy efficiency with their investment in 100% renewable energy supply. Through our collaborative partnership they are helping us drive down emissions.?

Conscious communities?

Community partnerships are a great way to make a positive impact outside of our organisation. We can help address social issues like food insecurity, support community and environmental projects, and build meaningful relationships with local people. ??

Last year, when I was recovering from a hip operation, a very rainy day saw a riverbank burst behind my home. Our community risked being several feet deep in water within minutes. All our neighbours rallied together and used sandbags to stop the flooding. Without this community spirit, we would have suffered huge losses.?

For me, this is what community is about – joining forces, supporting, and protecting other people.?

More recently, the team at Cranswick Ballymena has collaborated on some wonderful community initiatives.?

We partnered with MEA Borough council, MEA Outside, Friends of ECOs, Woodland Trust NI and more to plant almost 3000 trees in a field next to our site.?

Through our Cullybackey Community Partnership, we’ve worked on community events that build connection and drive improvements for local people for many years.?

Our donations to the Mid and East Antrim Affordable Food Club’s ‘Social Supermarket’, help those most in need across the borough. The club gives members food at a reduced cost and wraparound support to help bring them out of food insecurity.?

Change through teams?

Our ESG journey wouldn’t be possible without our people – it’s thanks to them that we’re able to forge meaningful partnerships with others.?

For us, internal change doesn’t come by appointing one siloed sustainability lead. Instead, we make sure sustainability is a key part of everyone’s day job. ??

It’s been heartwarming to see our business come together to achieve our goals, from cutting our emissions to reducing our plastic, food, and water waste to upping our recycling rates.?

I’m also incredibly proud of the team who last year won the Ballymena Business Awards and were finalists in the NI Food and Drink Awards for their sustainability efforts.

Connect, don’t compete?

Sustainability isn’t a competition. If one business succeeds, we all do. And real change isn’t possible unless everyone in the industry collaborates.?

So, it’s time to come together to build networks, pool resources, share best practices and knowledge, upskill on sustainability, and advocate for policy change.?

I would love to hear about the collaborations which have helped your business become more sustainable. Let me know about them in the comments below!