Potatoes kind to our planet hit the shelves
THE UK’S first carbon neutral potatoes will hit supermarket shelves next week.
Root Zero planet friendly potatoes are grown in Pembrokeshire by Puffin Produce and have been launched into 200 Co-op stores across the UK.
Further supermarket availability is expected to be announced in the coming months.
Root Zero potatoes are certified carbon neutral and grown using sustainable farming practices to remove carbon dioxide, create healthy soil and increase local biodiversity.
The company has measured every contribution to the potatoes’ carbon footprint – from the power used on the farm to the transport used to take Root Zero potatoes to the supermarket, even down to customers cooking their spuds at home.
Based on the findings from the footprint assessment, Puffin Produce has set a target to reduce the carbon intensity of Root Zero potatoes by 51% by 2030, covering emissions from across the entire supply chain. Going further, Puffin Produce has also committed through the Science Based Target Initiative to a company-wide 1.5°C target to reduce its operational emissions by 46% by 2030.
While it works towards that reduction goal, the company is investing in carbon offset projects that will neutralize all currently unavoidable carbon emissions. The offset projects supported include reduction schemes which cut emissions as well as removal projects which absorb greenhouse gases.
Huw Thomas, CEO of Puffin Produce, explained: “The food system contributes up to 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions which are causing the planet to heat up faster than ever before. We have to act now - so we’re on a mission to become carbon neutral and farm in a way that protects and regenerates our land, plants and wildlife.
“This isn’t easy. We’ve engaged the best scientific advice and partnered with organisations who are helping us to measure, reduce and certify our impact. And we’re also sharing what we learn along the way - with farmers, producers, retailers and customers so that we can all have a more positive impact on the planet,” he said.
The planet-friendly potatoes are packed in 100% plastic-free paper bags which, the company has calculated, will prevent more than five and a half tonnes of plastic arriving on supermarket shelves. Innovations in water-based inks and a special adhesive technology makes the paper bag completely recyclable - it can be reprocessed back into high quality paper again and again. It’s also reusable for storing other vegetables and completely home-compostable.
Root Zero is also on a mission to raise awareness of the link between food waste and climate change, and the packaging has handy tips for cooking the spuds with the skins on and other ways to reduce food waste when the potatoes reach customers’ kitchens.