“Food for thought” – Earth Day 2024
On 22nd April, the world observes Earth Day giving us all an opportunity to celebrate this planet we call our home. It is also a good time to reflect on how we can make our Earth a better place by adopting environmentally friendly habits. Dina Foods has pledged to reduce 50% of its baseline carbon emissions by 2025 and achieve net zero by 2030 and has already implemented several sustainability strategies in its business operations.
What we do now
Dina Foods has been working towards developing efficient ways of operating and is replacing machinery that is more energy efficient. For example, by replacing one compressor it has reduced the energy consumption by 48%. Of the energy that is used, 31% of it is from a renewable energy source. Moreover, other initiatives have been rolled out, such as installing lighting sensors and LED lighting in our factories and offices to save energy.
Our sustainability partner Better Futures+ has cited that over a third of all food produced globally goes to waste and contributes 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions produced by humans. Dina Foods has pledged to reduce its food waste and surplus food in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3: a 50% per capita reduction in food waste by 2030.
We provide responsible waste collection and disposal, ensuring that none of the waste ends up in landfill.
Dina Foods’s confectionery range is sold in 100% recyclable packaging. Ingredients are sourced locally not only to support local producers but also to reduce emissions and our carbon footprint.
To further support the company’s CSR agenda, only UTZ chocolate (now part of the Rainforest Alliance) is used which ensures that it is being sourced from sustainable farms that provide better care and support for farmers, their families, and our planet. This program enables farmers to use better farming methods, grow better crops, and generate more income, all while learning how to improve working conditions, adapt to climate change, and protect the environment.
The company’s vans are being replaced with electric vehicles. Our fleet of sales cars has been converted from diesel/petrol to electric or hybrid.
By replacing meat with vegan sources of protein carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced. The whole food production process of farm-to-plate totals 26% of all global greenhouse gas emissions[1]. In 2021, Dina Foods attained Vegan Society registration for a number of its savoury products, including its falafel and houmous ranges.
As we join hands in preserving the planet, we urge all buyers, manufacturers, food service providers, restaurants, and consumers to support businesses that maintain ethical practices and are committed to sustainability.
Is your food Eco-Conscious?
[1] Poore, J and Nemecek, T (2018). Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers. https://science.sciencemag.org/content/360/6392/987