An award-winning organic farm estate in North Wales has expanded its sustainability efforts as it continues working towards net-zero emissions.
Rhug Estate, a 12,500-acre site near Corwen, Denbighshire, has introduced a range of eco-friendly initiatives in the past year, including investment in renewable energy, packaging improvements, and regenerative farming techniques.
The estate, which holds a prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment from His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen, has long been a leader in sustainable agriculture. It has implemented a variety of green energy projects, from wind and solar power to hydroelectric schemes and heat pumps. A new addition to its fleet, an electric forklift, further reduces its reliance on fossil fuels.
Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, said sustainability remains at the heart of the business.
*”Every decision we make is to improve the service and quality of products we offer our valued customers and suppliers while ensuring we remain at the forefront of advances in technology and sustainable business practices.
“In 2024, we set a new benchmark for the sector, and there are plans to do more this year, as we strive to lower our carbon footprint and become even more energy efficient.”*
Among the latest developments is the transition from traditional mail-order packaging to more environmentally friendly alternatives. The estate now uses FSC-certified cardboard boxes and wool thermal liners to maintain meat quality during transport. This switch alone is expected to save over one tonne of CO2 emissions annually.
Efforts to reduce energy consumption have extended to the estate’s headquarters, where insulation and cladding have been upgraded alongside the installation of an air source heat pump. These measures are expected to cut heating-related emissions by up to 4.5 tonnes of CO2e per year.
Waste reduction has also been a focus. Recycling areas have been set up in the farm shop and café, while the estate continues its partnerships with Too Good to Go and Field Fare, both of which help reduce food waste by offering frozen and loose-packaged produce.
Rhug Estate’s commitment to sustainability has earned it Planet Mark Business Certification, a verification that measures carbon and social impact in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
One of the most significant shifts has been the estate’s adoption of regenerative farming methods. Techniques such as minimum tillage, rotational grazing, and cover cropping are being trialled to improve soil health and reduce environmental impact. Meanwhile, all sheep feed is now grown on-site, further lowering the estate’s carbon footprint.
The farm’s eco-conscious approach extends beyond agriculture. Its Rhug Wild Beauty range, which features skincare products made with foraged ingredients from the estate, continues to grow in popularity.
Lord Newborough said Rhug Estate aims to lead by example.
“While these initiatives are focused on Rhug Estate, they hold us up as a beacon of best practice for the industry. We take our role as a sustainability pioneer seriously and hope to inspire and support other businesses on their own net-zero journeys.”
With ongoing investment in green technology and sustainable practices, Rhug Estate is positioning itself at the forefront of the UK’s push for environmentally responsible farming.