The UK’s first carbon neutral potatoes about to hit the shelves

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THE UK’s first carbon neutral potatoes grown in West Wales will hit supermarket shelves next week.

Root Zero potatoes from Pembrokeshire-based Puffin Produce and will be available at 200 Co-Op stores across the UK. Further supermarket availability is expected to be announced in the coming months

With offsetting measures Root Zero potatoes., sourced from local farmers, 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 them supermarkets.

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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. The company 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.

Root Zero patatoes

While it works towards that reduction goal, the company is investing in carbon offset projects that will neutralise 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, chief executive of Puffin Produce, said: “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.

The 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.

Mr Thomas said: “We are hoping that Root Zero will be the first of many carbon neutral, responsibly grown, sustainably packaged products that will start to tackle the huge impact of the food industry on climate change.

Simon Miller, managing partner of sustainability advisors 3Keel, who supported the development of Root Zero said: “Puffin Produce is a unique potato producer. It has long term relationships with local Pembrokeshire growers, who farm potatoes in multi-year rotations that lead to healthier soils.

“The carbon footprint of farming, storing, packing and transportation of potatoes have all been measured, with decarbonisation plans now in place at every stage. In the short term, Root Zero potatoes will also be made carbon neutral from investing in high quality offsets, and over the years more trees and larger hedgerows on the Pembrokeshire farms will take up carbon dioxide emissions.

Climate Partner UK provided third party verification of Root Zero’s carbon footprint calculations.

Its head of climate partner UK, Emilien Hoet, said: “We work with businesses to find real and practical solutions to tackle the climate crisis. We have helped Root Zero to understand the entire lifecycle impact of the product on global warming, showing the areas where intervention and investment can have the biggest impact. In addition, we have selected three carbon offset projects for Root Zero to offset unavoidable emissions and make the products carbon neutral.”

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