Sustainability
Championing a sustainable future.
​Specialty Meats products have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry worldwide. Our commitment to the environment is instilled in every step of the chain, and our sustainability policies contribute directly to several of the United Nation’s SDG’s (Sustainability Development Goals).
Carbon footprint of Beef meat from different countries
GWP100 (kg CO2-e/kg)
kg CO2-e/kg
Pasture Fresh
New Zealand*
Mexico
Canada
Australia
Japan
USA
Brazil
Producing country
*product delivered in the USA already including transportation from origin.
Carbon footprint of Lamb meat from different countries
GWP100 (kg CO2-e/kg)
kg CO2-e/kg
Pasture Fresh
New Zealand*
Australia
México
USA
Producing country
*product delivered in the USA already including transportation from origin.
Raising our Animals the Natural Way
All our animals are 100% grass fed, feeding on natural herbs and pastures all year around. In a grain feeding system, large factories are established to produce the grain, later needing transportation to farms for animal feed. The factories and the transport release large amounts of emissions and pollution into the atmosphere.
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At Specialty Meats, grain (maize, corn, nutritional supplements) is never used to feed our animals. We believe in a natural diet of nutrient-rich grasses which preserves the subtle and natural flavours of the meat, results in far higher nutritional benefits for consumers, and most importantly which is sustainable for the planet and for future generations.
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Further research shows that even once transported, the total carbon footprint of Specialty Meats lamb and beef is still frequently on par with or lower than other domestically produced meat.
Sustainable Soils and Farmland Regeneration
At Specialty Meats, we understand that soil health is crucial for maintaining the sustainability and quality of our grass. Healthy soils which produce strong and nutrient-rich grasses year after year, help preserve the farming cycle for generations to come.
Farm Regeneration
Our grass-rich farms are not only a valuable resource to feed our animals but also a vital ecosystem for biodiversity and soil health.
To ensure grass regeneration, we implement a careful approach to managing our animals and land use.
Through strategic rotational grazing and appropriate resting periods, we allow vegetation to recover and grow naturally, preventing soil degradation and allowing our farms to flourish year after year.
Maximum of 12 animals per hectare
To ensure that our farm grounds remain healthy and sustainable, we work with a maximum average of 12 animals per hectare, allowing each animal sufficient feed for healthy and balanced feeding.
This measure avoids the overexploitation of vegetation, allowing it to grow and regenerate, and contributes to a more resilient and sustainable ecosystem.
Nutrition
Caring for our soils and ensuring regeneration not only has environmental benefits but also improves the nutritional quality of the meat we offer to our consumers.
Healthy and nutrient-rich pastures result in higher-quality meat with authentic flavours and superior nutritional benefits, from higher omega-3 fatty acids to vitamins A, B and E.
Carbon footprint of Pasture Fresh® Beef
GWP100 (kg CO2-e/kg)
To farmgate | Processing | Transport
Carbon footprint of Pasture Fresh® Lamb GWP100 (kg CO2-e/kg)
To farmgate | Processing | Transport
The Importance of Transportation
Of the total carbon footprint of Specialty Meats products, 90-95% of the emissions are generated on-farm (up to farmgate).
These on-farm emissions are amongst the lowest worldwide.
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Transportation, despite involving large distances (crossing the Pacific and Indian Oceans), accounts for only 2-4% of the total emissions.
Our products are exported all 12 months of the year in refrigerated containers, the most efficient means of transporting goods over long distances.
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Shipping goods by seafreight uses only 10% of the energy used in transportation by truck. Additionally, container ships emit only 1% of the CO2 emitted by airfreight, per tonne per km travelled.
Carbon Sequestration – a New Perspective
Carbon sequestration is the process of permanently capturing and removing carbon-based GHGs from the atmosphere to prevent or slow global warming. Trees and woody vegetation (scrubland and shrubs) capture and remove carbon from the atmosphere.
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Approximately 20 percent of the sheep and beef farm area in New Zealand is covered with trees and woody vegetation. The impact of the carbon sequestration produced by these areas are not taken into account in the GWP100 carbon footprint calculations.
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Efforts by scientists to include the effects of carbon sequestration in the carbon footprint measurement have often resulted in utilizing the GWP* method, an alternative to GWP100 which is newer but increasingly well-known.
The estimated net carbon sequestration in woody vegetation (using MfE [2021] data) is equivalent to 29 percent of the total calculated GHG emissions from agricultural production on New Zealand sheep and beef farms.
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This means that if the real value of carbon sequestration on farms was taken into account, Specialty Meats’ beef and lamb would have a significantly lower carbon footprint than under the GWP100 method.
Specialty Meats' dedication to achieving one of the lowest carbon footprints worldwide is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability. Through sustainable agriculture, natural raising and caring of our animals, efficient supply chain practices, and responsible consumer education, we are setting new standards for today’s environmentally conscious consumers.
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By choosing Specialty Meats, consumers have the assurance they are maximizing their contribution to environmental sustainability.
