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www.poultrynews.com.au National Poultry Newspaper, December 2024 %u2013 Page 11STRENGTHENYOUR FLOCK.Defend against the risk of infectious diseases with Poulvac%u00ae E. coli. As part of a complete respiratory immunisation program, it helps stop E.coli and colibacillosis before they can diminishbird performance and cause costly processinglosses. Get the strength to help protect yourbirds and your bottom line.For more information call Zoetis ProductSupport on 1800 814 883 or contact your localZoetis Professional Sales Representative.Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 94 156 476 425. Level 6, 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes NSW 2138. %u00a9 2024 Zoetis Inc. All rights reserved. ZL1956Inconsistent waste bin labelling led to staff confusion, so the Ingham%u2019s team introduced a standardised colour-coded bin system with clear pictorial signage, making waste sorting easier and more efficient. IN 2020, Ingham%u2019s made an ambitious commitment to reduce its landfill waste by 20 percent by 2030 as part of its Sustainability Leadership Roadmap. The large integrated poultry producer is proud to say that it achieved and surpassed this target, reducing waste-to-landfill by 30 percent this year. This is thanks to innovations led by Ingham%u2019s teams, who demonstrate the business%u2019 ambition to be a leader in sustainable poultry. These are some of the innovative solutions from Ingham%u2019s sites that have helped to achieve the target to reduce landfill waste.Collaborating with waste contractorsIngham%u2019s Somerville primary processing team collaborated with its waste management supplier on how the site could reduce its waste to landfill.The waste supplier advised that a significant proportion of chicken waste was wrapped in plastic packaging, preventing it from being recycled. The supplier proposed that the site dedicate an employee to remove the chicken from the packaging. This allowed the redirection of the chicken waste to pet food production and compost. The change in process halved the site%u2019s waste to landfill, cutting landfill waste by 1000 tonnes from the previous year, delivering major environmental and cost benefits.Improving sorting systems and habits through educationThe Edinburgh Parks further processing team researched its waste processes onsite to better understand how and where the waste was being placed and its final destination. The team discovered that inconsistent waste bin labelling led to staff confusion, resulting in limited recycling rates due to cross-contamination of recycling streams.A dedicated team of onsite waste volunteers introduced a standardised colour-coded bin system with clear pictorial signage, making waste sorting easier and more efficient. This was supported by staff training and leadership involvement, integrating better waste management practices into daily operations. These changes led to a 40 percent reduction in landfill waste in one year, equivalent to 350 tonnes avoided, showing that small operational adjustments with proper training can yield significant results.Donating food to local communitiesIngham%u2019s has a national partnership with Foodbank in Australia that resulted in 768 tonnes of product %u2013 or the equivalent of 1.384 million meals %u2013 being donated to support people across Australia in the 2023-24 financial year.To further minimise product waste, Ingham%u2019s waste management champion at its Prestons distribution centre identified additional stock close to its end date for donation. After identifying other community-based organisations, the team is now also donating its produce waste to SecondBite, a food rescue organisation that distributes meals to those in need and to animal rescue and rehabilitation organisations Zambi Wildlife and Rosie%u2019s Rescue Farm.By redirecting the short-dated stock from landfills to those in need, the Prestons team have reduced waste by 300 tonnes annually %u2013 a 60 percent decrease %u2013 and helped provide meals to vulnerable communities and animals.Diverting feed materials from organic wasteIngham%u2019s Clyde feed mill team partnered with an external feed supplier to divert feed materials from organic waste. Previously, feed that didn%u2019t meet specifications was sent to composting. By partnering with an external feed company, the feed is now sent to a local pig farm where it is creating a higher value outcome %u2013 being reused as feed. The team also promotes sustainability by reusing bulk bags to transport the feed, reducing plastic waste. The trial has been a success, upcycling 3-4 tonnes per week into high-value feed instead of composting. This waste solution was being expanded to other Ingham%u2019s feed mills.Minimising plastic waste in product labellingAt the Lytton distribution centre in Queensland, the Ingham%u2019s team implemented a new waste reduction concept using Nobac labelling machines.These machines apply labels without the backing paper, eliminating the need for its disposal. This innovative technology reduces waste and improves product presentation thanks to their high-quality labels. Following a pilot of the machine%u2019s effectiveness, the team ordered an additional nine machines to further reduce plastic wastage across all Ingham%u2019s distribution centres. Once fully implemented, this technology is expected to save over 140,000 label backs per week. Ingham%u2019s aims to progressively move towards a circular economy by using resources responsibly, minimising waste and increasing recycling opportunities across its supply chain. Ingham%u2019s meeting its waste targetsodour and ammonia emissions, resulting in poor performance and welfare of birds, which affects the product quality due to breast blisters and foot pad dermatitis in birds.Industry position statement on hormones in chicken meatThis content was provided by Dr Vivien Kite, previously of the Australian Chicken Meat Federation.DefinitionAnimals produce hormones naturally to regulate their body%u2019s biochemistry. If hormones %u2013 either synthetic or natural %u2013 are introduced into an animal, they can modify the animal%u2019s metabolism. This can have a range of effects, including changing its growth rate.Situation analysisNo hormones are fed or otherwise administered to any poultry in Australia. Hormones have not been used in the Australian poultry industry for more than 40 years. Hormones were originally used as an alternative to castration to improve the tenderness of the meat, but improved breeds of chicken have made this practice unnecessary.Policy statements on hormonesNo hormones are administered to meat chickens under any circumstances. There is no basis for any food safety concern regarding hormones. Poultry Hub AustraliaAustralia%u2019s meat chicken industry %u2013 Part 2* from P10