Bega Cheese has published its first ever sustainability report.

Looking back on its 2015 financial year, the report examines the dairy company’s environmental and social impacts.

It reveals that Bega Cheese achieved a 7 per cent reduction in its production energy intensity across the past five years and that 61 per cent of its 2015 financial year solid waste was able to be recycled.

The report also reported that women account for 22 per cent of its management roles and across the year, it experienced a 11 per cent reduction in the number of lost time injuries.

In the introduction to the report, Executive Chairman at Bega Cheese, Barry Irvin, and Chief Executive Officer, Aidan Coleman, said in a joint statement that any environmental or sustainability risk has the potential to impact the company, suppliers, customers and the community, so it is important to investigate into these areas.

“It assists to minimise risks to the value of our business, helps secure a healthy environment and enhances the wellbeing of the community,” the statement said.

“But more than this, it delivers on the promise we make to the general public each and every day,” the pair wrote.

Key statistics from Bega Cheese’s 2015 sustainability report

• 94 per cent of Bega Cheese milk suppliers participate in the Bega Environmental Management System (BEMS) Sustainability Assessment
• 93 per cent of direct milk supply engaged in its Sustainability and Growth program
• There was over AUD $50 million in on-farm sustainability and growth initiatives
• The company increased its financial support for local community organisations
• Bega Cheese achieved better than its target carbon and energy intensity for its 2015 financial year

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