Danone in Ireland

We are a leading food and drink company with a fast-growing health-focused portfolio. Our focus is to deliver health through food and drink to as many people as possible.

Our Supply Points

Macroom supply point

Macroom is one of the two biggest supply points in the Danone network and the first contingency supply point for fermented products.

Operating on a 24/7 basis, infant formula base powder is produced in Macroom and supplied to other supply points across the Danone network in Ireland, across Europe and further afield to China, Indonesia, Brazil and at Argentina for local markets as well as export.

Two well-known brands on sale in Ireland are Cow & Gate and Aptamil. They are produced in Macroom, finished and packaged in Wexford, before being supplied to markets all over the world.

Sustainability in Action

Macroom installed a new energy-recovery system in February 2019. The Flu-Ace technology chosen has reduced the plant's energy use by 3,300 tonnes of CO2 in 2020.

Globally Danone is also a founding member of the One Planet Business for Biodiversity (OP2B), which has a specific focus on agriculture. A biodiversity action plan has been developed for the Macroom site including participation in the All Ireland Pollinator Plan which is a framework that is working to protect Ireland's pollinators.

To encourage biodiversity on site in Macroom, we have planted 700 native Irish trees such as beech and ash, as well as perennial wildflowers. We also created an outside seating area and walking route so staff could relax and enjoy the nature of the 'biodiversity field'. Currently, we are building an insect hotel for the field.

At Danone, we are committed to sustainable product manufacturing and reducing the environmental impact of our operations. Ultimately our global ambition is to be a zero net carbon emissions company by 2050.

Supporting Local Communities

We provide ongoing sponsorship of local community groups and events held in Macroom including the Macroom Food Festival.

To support a cleaner local environment, we organise the annual litter pick-up campaigns in the surrounding areas.

We run a Transition Year Programme to enable secondary school students to experience laboratory work. We also supply laboratory and safety equipment to local schools.

Wexford

Employing over 350 people outside Wexford town, Danone Wexford is one of biggest manufacturing plants in the Danone specialised nutrition network and sustainably manufactures high-quality formula milk. It is a centre of excellence for packaging capabilities and Europe’s largest infant formula packing plant. We produce well known brands like Aptamil, Nutrilion and Cow & Gate that are exported to over 50 countries around the world.

Sustainability in Action

We have implemented state-of-the art green technologies to drastically reduce the carbon emissions of our operations and improve our overall sustainability performance. The achievement reflects a €10 million investment. This achievement was acknowledged in 2020 when we won the SEAI Large Business Exemplary Energy Management Award.

Implementing these carbon reduction measures at Danone Wexford is a step towards achieving zero net carbon emissions across our entire value chain by 2050 and a demonstration of Danone’s 'One Planet. One Health'

The supply point sources 100% renewable electricity and uses a biomass boiler powered by sustainable wood fuels. This has resulted in 10,000 tonnes of CO2 savings compared to our previous emissions in 2010 and represents a 70% reduction in the plant's direct carbon footprint.

Throughout the plant, we are implementing digital technologies to deliver greater efficiency and improve the site's sustainability performance. The facility has developed a digital roadmap which includes a significant number of initiatives to become a paperless site and improve the technology for recording energy.

All waste from production processes or packaging materials is recovered. Throughout the supply point and across all processes, we reduce, re-use and recycle. where we can.

We availed of Enterprise Ireland’s GreenPlus scheme as part of the Climate Enterprise Action Fund to help us improve energy performance at basic unit level. An Energy Management System (EnMS) was implemented successfully enabling us to identify and measure energy savings. We have achieved certification to the prestigious ISO 50001 International Energy Management Standard.

Supporting Local Communities

We were the first specialised nutrition plant to install a biomass boiler which allows us cut CO2 emissions. Powered by sustainable wood fuel sourced from the local wood chipping industry, it's good for the environment and for the local economy in county Wexford. It allows farmers to generate income by producing forest biomass on unused land.

We have also been a long-time supporter of the Wexford Opera Festival and over the years, we have supported Irish charities including Barnardos and TalktoTom.

Origin Green

Our Wexford and Macroom supply points are both verified members of Origin Green. Operating on a national scale, Origin Green is Ireland’s pioneering food and drink sustainability programme. It unites government, the full supply chain from farmers to food producers and right through to the foodservice and retail sectors. The programme is the world's only national food and drink sustainability programme, and enables the industry to set and achieve measurable sustainability targets that respect the environment and serve local communities more effectively.

All-Ireland Pollinator Plan

Our factories in Macroom and Wexford are proud supporters of All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.

Our Product Categories

Specialised Nutrition

Waters

Essential Dairy and Plant-Based

Our Impact Journey

As part of our Renew Danone strategy, we have developed a sustainability roadmap based on three interconnected pillars: Health, Nature, and People & Communities.

For each of these pillars, the company has set new priorities and objectives for the future, focusing on the areas where Danone can bring the most value.