An innovative approach. A sustainable future.
Environmental initiatives
Environmental sustainability is central to Westland’s purpose of ‘nourishment made beautifully for generations’. The energies we put into developing a sustainable business today ensure that we are well placed to grow into the future.
Our initiatives
Whitebait restoration
Establishing natural habitats
We’re partnering with Department of Conservation & New Zealand Conservation Volunteers to create permanent water at Wadeson Island, downstream of our factory, to establish a natural, protected
habitat for whitebait.
habitat for whitebait.
Ocean outfall
Protecting the future
Our Ocean Outfall project was successfully completed in early 2021. This project was made up of two steps. Step one involved trenching the pipe from the Hokitika factory 2.5km to the shoreline. Step two was the underground drilling of the pipe from the shoreline 800m out to sea where a diffuser was installed. The completion of this project has meant that treated effluent will no longer be discharged into the Hokitika river. The ocean is a much more suitable receiving environment for this type of discharge and will have a minimal impact on the environment.
Environmental stewardship
Thinking about how our actions will impact on future generations is critical to the development of the business.In the past year our staff and farmer suppliers have been involved with various environmental projects that will reduce waste, our carbon footprint, and more generally Westland’s collective effect on the environment.
More of our initiatives:
Waste water treatment
Both our Hokitika and Rolleston sites have waste water treatment systems in place.
On-farm
On-farm, Westland is working with Suppliers and farmer suppliers to find ways to reduce the carbon footprint of dairy. Working with Lincoln University, AgResearch and regional councils, Westland is investigating ‘Carbon Mitigation Schemes’ that look at alternative fuel sources on-farm and also carbon sequestration. The schemes work by implementing carbon capturing activities which, in turn, offset the greenhouse gas emissions from Westland – both on-farm and from the processing sites at Hokitika and Rolleston.
Many of our farmer suppliers undertake environmental initiatives such as riparian planting, and investigate methods to reduce the amount of nitrogen leaching from farms.
Emissions
Westland Milk Products voluntarily signed the ETS in 2011 ahead of the legislative requirement to do so. We consistently implement measures to reduce our carbon footprint. Our fleet of tankers are all powered by Euro-five diesel motors. Their fuel-efficient engines deliver maximum power with minimum emissions. Latest GPS technology minimises the distance travelled, ensuring milk is transported with the least environmental impact possible. Our culture is one of continuous improvement regarding air quality, focusing on clean burning boilers to maximise efficiency and to reduce CO2 emissions.
Recycling initiative
Suitable materials at our processing facilities are separated and compressed on site and sent to recyclers in Christchurch and Auckland. Currently, we’re working on initiatives to undertake plastic recycling on farms, including plastic silage wrap and plastic containers.