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Gold member case study - Johnston Mooney & O'Brien

Johnston Mooney & O’Brien, established in 1835, is Ireland’s oldest bakery. Known for its commitment to quality and tradition, it produces a wide range of fresh breads and baked goods that are staples in Irish households and trusted by generations.

Hands making bread dough
Gold Member

Sustainability Achievements

In 2024, Johnson Mooney & O'Brien reduced pallet wrap and bread board usage, and increased recyclable packaging to 99%, surpassing all packaging milestones through targeted initiatives.

  • Targets Reported
  • Exemplary Targets
  • Awarded Gold Membership

In 2024, Johnson Mooney & O'Brien made strong progress in reducing packaging-related environmental impacts, particularly in plastic usage and non-recyclable materials. The amount of pallet wrap used per tonne of product decreased by 20%, exceeding the milestone target by 57%. This reduction was supported by the purchase of a new pallet wrap machine that produces a higher-quality, stretchable film, improving efficiency and reducing material use.

Progress was also made in reducing the use of non-recyclable bread boards. Usage per tonne of production was significantly reduced, surpassing the milestone target by 31%. Although cost constraints prevented the introduction of plastic boards in 2024, the company implemented a log and penalty system to track and reduce wooden bread board losses, demonstrating a practical and cost-effective approach to waste reduction.

Johnson Mooney & O'Brien also achieved a major milestone in improving the sustainability of its primary packaging. The percentage of recyclable or compostable primary packaging increased from 83% in 2023 to 99% in 2024, meeting the milestone target. Two initiatives supported this achievement: discontinuing the use of non-recyclable superview packaging and investigating the feasibility of compostable alternatives.

The remaining 1% of non-recyclable packaging is attributed to date tags on bread. The company continues to explore solutions to address these final components, reinforcing its commitment to achieving full recyclability and reducing environmental impact.

 

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