GOLD AWARD: Celebrating Gold Membership in the Origin Green Sustainability Programme are Gearoid Linnane (CEO, Lee Strand) with back l to r: James Sugrue (Plant Manager), Deirdre Foley (Farm Advisor), Maurice O’Connor (Production Manager), and Ciara Herlihy (Assistant Technical Manager).

Lee Strand was recognised for their exceptional performance and commitment to sustainability with Gold Membership at the virtual Origin Green 2020 awards on Thursday, November 19. The online event was addressed by Charlie McConalogue, TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food & Marine and recognised 26 companies in the food and beverage sector in Ireland who have achieved the highest level of membership in the Origin Green Sustainability Programme.

“We are delighted in Lee Strand to be recognised with the prestigious Origin Green Gold Membership for our commitment to sustainability," Gearoid Linnane, CEO said.

"In Lee Strand, environmental management and sustainability are key elements of our business model, from launching 100% renewable cartons, to reducing water usage and energy efficiency. This is a great achievement by our sustainability team who are continually striving for higher levels of environmental excellence. We would also like to thank Veronica Kennelly from the Institute of Technology Tralee who assisted Lee Strand in the development of our Origin Green plan.”

Origin Green continues to evolve to ensure Bord Bia is helping Irish food and drink companies to remain up to date with the evolving needs of trade customers and their consumers, globally. With the introduction of the Origin Green credits system in early 2020, it is now easier to identify members who are performing at a high level or excelling in their sustainability performance.

To retain ongoing membership of Origin Green, companies must subsequently submit an annual review to demonstrate clear progress against the established targets and initiatives set. This annual review is subject to an independent third-party review by their verification authority Mabbett. This ensures minimum programme requirements are consistently met and maintained.

Origin Green Gold Membership is awarded to companies who demonstrate an exceptional annual performance on their sustainability targets and is based on the assessment of an independent verification authority. Companies receive credits for their performance in areas such as raw material sourcing; water and energy efficiency; waste reduction; packaging; and social sustainability. Origin Green has established five different membership tiers based on company size and turnover, so that a real diversity of industry is reflected in the overall Gold membership.