Concern for the environment lies at the heart of the new Mackie’s at Taypack venture. Taypack and Mackie’s of Scotland are both award winning companies for the environmental management of their own businesses.
Our aim is to have an environmentally benign effect on the land
All prospective fields are subject to a site evaluation and discarded if there is any environmental concern about the effect of potato production in that area. Taypack rent over 800 acres of additional land for growing potatoes and this eases the widest crop movement. Taypack drives environmental responsibility and long term farming sustainability by encouraging growers to follow Integrated Farm Management (IFM) practices. Taypack only work with growers who display similar commitment to environmental policies and ensure that they comply with appropriate environmental stewardship programmes like the LEAF Marque, Soil Association, Assured produce and Natures choice schemes.
Energy use is monitored and best efforts made to minimize the energy used
The horse power of tractors is matched to the equipment being used and where possible two jobs are undertaken at once - e.g. placement of fertilizer at the same time as planting. Works are scheduled to be done at times when the natural conditions from weather have most positive effect and minimize the horse power needed.
Resources are carefully re-used and recycled wherever possible
The water source is from a bore hole and everything on the site is recycled. Potato waste can be fed to the cows. The company has invested £250,000 in a water and soil clarification unit to separate soil and water from the potato washing process. The water can be re-used and the soil is squeezed and sold as top soil.
Transportation
The new company is near Dundee which is in an enviable location and good transport hub to serve Scotland and the rest of UK. The crisps will be distributed in a recently converted trailer planned for maximum load fill and therefore further reduce road miles. All Taypack’s transport vehicles are subject to regular maintenance and checks to meet or exceed regulations on exhaust emissions, and have been fitted with steering rear axles to minimize road wear and noise.