Environment
The meat industry is Australia’s largest rural value-adding industry and operates processing facilities across the nation. It has the potential for a large environmental impact on the Australian continent. In recent times the industry has made significant efforts to invest in modern technologies, practices and staff training to ensure environmental protection and the use of resources in a responsible and efficient manner. This has been assisted by an industry funded environmental research program dedicated to meat processing since 1993.
Red meat processing plants are faced with ever increasing environmental pressures such as stricter waste-water quality requirements, tighter environmental emission regulations and higher community expectations.
Processing plants must undergo changes to meet these environmental challenges. MLA's Environment Program for the processing sector aims to assist processors meet these challenges.
Life cycle analysis
The red meat industry, as with most primary industries, is coming under increasing pressure from both the community and government to document and justify its impacts on the environment. At the same time, a lack of credible supply chain data prevents the industry from being able to respond in a meaningful manner. This project will address these issues and provide credible data on the industry's environmental impacts and sustainability for use by industry, including its interactions with government, community groups and the media. Life cycle analysis to determine the environmental impact of four representative red meat industry supply chains is underway.
Resources
Access the following resources relating to environment:
- Environmental Best Practice Guidelines for the Red Meat Processing Industry
The guidelines are a set of six independent but related modules which define current environmental best-practice for meat processors and address issues covering odour and air quality, wastewater treatment and its irrigation to land, waste solids and energy management. They have been developed to set an industry benchmark for meat processors.
- Eco-Efficiency Manual for Meat Processing
A definitive guide to reduce costs and improve environmental practices for Australia's meat processors. This Kit explores opportunities to employ eco-efficiency practices in meat processing. Its objectives are the more efficient use of resources and the reduction of waste, leading to reduced water, energy and materials costs.