FDBusiness.com

Dawn Meats has become the first Irish food manufacturing company to achieve the coveted Business Working Responsibly Mark at its Carroll’s Cross site in Waterford. A significant milestone on its journey to becoming Europe’s most sustainable meat company, Dawn Meats has now joined a group of only 25 companies in Ireland to have attained this standard.

Pictured: Niall Browne, CEO of Dawn Meats, receiving the Mark from Tina Roche, CEO of Business in the Community Ireland.

The Mark represents a challenging standard and is modelled on internationally recognized ISO 26000. A comprehensive review of the business from corporate responsibility governance, to workplace, marketplace, environment and community practices took place at audit stage, which was completed over two days in May.

Dawn Meats has been widely recognized for its achievements in environmental sustainability and the Mark is further validation of this work and the work undertaken in broader areas of sustainability.

Dawn Meats CEO Niall Browne comments: “We have set ourselves the goal of becoming Europe’s most sustainable meat company and the endorsement by BITC, with the achievement of the Business Working Responsibly Mark at Carroll’s Cross is further evidence of our progress. Over the last two years we have updated our sustainability strategy, published our first CSR report and broadened our engagement with stakeholders. As a business we are committed to continuous improvement and are excited by what is achievable over the coming years.”

Head of CSR David O’ Flynn says: “Being awarded the Mark is tremendous recognition of the commitment shown by Dawn Meats to responsible business practices. Over the last 18 months the team has worked with BITC’s Mark framework to develop a formalised and documented approach to responsibility and sustainability. Dawn Meats knows that being responsible and sustainable works in harmony and synergy with business growth and it is this knowledge that ensures our continuation on this path.”