We're committed to baking bread in a way that's kinder to the planet.

From wind power to zero waste, we’re taking meaningful action to reduce our carbon emissions. Our approach includes making everyday changes that, together, create an impact. From the energy we use in our bakery to the fuel powering our delivery fleet—and from how we manage water to how we support biodiversity—we’re always looking for ways to do better. We believe every little bit counts, and we’re proud to be making a difference.

Since 2014, we have been proud members of Origin Green. To attain this prestigious certification, companies must demonstrate exceptional performance across various sustainability criteria, including raw material sourcing, water and energy efficiency, waste reduction, packaging, and social sustainability.

The wax paper packaging used for some of our fresh quality breads is 100% recyclable and industrially compostable. This means that consumers now have a choice that they can place it in the green recycling bin or the brown compost bin. Our wax paper packaging has been tested in line with the Directive (EU) 2018/852, amending Directive 94/62/EC on Packaging and Packaging Waste, conforming to EU Standards EN13430 (recoverable by material recycling) and EN13432 (recoverable through industrial composting and biodegradation) and is also Cré certified – Irish Compostable Certification Scheme for Industrial Compostability.

We’re proud to power our bakery with 100% renewable electricity through our partnership with Glackmore Windfarm in Co. Donegal — a step that significantly reduces our carbon footprint and supports a cleaner energy future.

To further improve energy efficiency, we’ve upgraded to LED lighting and introduced timers and motion sensors to minimise unnecessary electricity use across our facilities.

Our commitment continues with the installation of solar PV panels on the roof of our new transport hub in Walkinstown, Dublin. Once operational later this year, the hub will run entirely on on-site renewable energy.

This investment in solar power is another step toward reducing our environmental impact and building a more sustainable future.

We’ve transitioned our entire fleet of heavy goods vehicles to HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). HVO is produced from renewable feedstocks, such as vegetable oils, used cooking oils, and other waste and by-products from the food industry.

By using HVO, we significantly reduce our transport CO2 emissions with reductions of up to 90%. We are also proud that our HVO supplier, Circle K, ensures their product avoids palm oil or POME, sourcing their HVO sustainably.

We’re not stopping there, our efforts extend beyond our fleet, as we actively collaborate with our wider bread distributors to support their transition to renewable fuels, ensuring a greener journey from our bakery to your local store.

At Brennans, we know that every drop counts. That's why we've installed a rainwater harvesting system that saves over 2,000 litres of mains water every week!

We use this recycled water for everyday tasks like washing our trucks, cleaning bins, and supporting site sanitation, reducing our impact on local water supplies.

Committed to a greener Ireland, we actively support sustainability through diverse initiatives. We partner with Stepping Stones Forests, offering staff volunteer days to plant trees and create biodiverse woodlands nationwide. Our 'Sliced Can' collaboration with Wicklow Wolf Brewery has already planted over 4,400 native Irish trees (learn more: https://wicklowwolf.com/sliced-can-blog-post/) over the last two years. The beer is brewed using surplus Brennans Family Pan as a substitute for malted barley and also helping to reduce food waste in the process. We have been proud supporters of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan since 2019.

In 2024, we achieved zero waste to landfill, meaning that none of our waste ends up in landfills.

This milestone was reached through the implementation of a comprehensive waste-streaming programme, which ensures that all recyclables are diverted from general waste. We also make every effort to minimise waste across every stage of production. For instance, all bread waste is repurposed into animal feed, ensuring nothing goes unused.

By adopting these sustainable practices, we’re not just reducing waste, we’re contributing to a more circular economy.

We’re committed to responsible sourcing and working with suppliers who share our values around sustainability, ethics, and transparency. That’s why many of our key suppliers hold recognised certifications that reflect best practices across environmental, social, and quality standards. These include ISO 14001 for environmental management, which helps organisations reduce their environmental footprint, and ISO 50001, which supports efficient energy use and improved energy performance. Several of our partners are SEDEX members, committed to ethical business conduct and fair labour practices. Others are Fairtrade certified, ensuring fair prices and working conditions for suppliers and workers. We also work with suppliers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), promoting responsible forestry.

We are passionate about making a positive difference in our community through philanthropic efforts.

Through our partnership with FoodCloud, we donate surplus bread to help those in need, ensuring nothing goes to waste. We also inspire the next generation of chefs with our 'Dough It Yourself' programme, which teaches young people how to transform leftover bread into creative and delicious dishes. In 2024, we received a large number of entries to the competition, demonstrating the growing interest and enthusiasm for sustainable cooking.