Plant Based Meat
Meat stands as a prominent category in global retail, serving as a vital source of animal protein. Nevertheless, the rise of plant-based meat presents a fresh opportunity for protein provision, emphasising environmental impact reduction.
The trend towards Sustainable meat consumption has been growing, especially since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. While meat consumption is unlikely to decrease in the future, sustainably produced alternative meat options can help alleviate environmental pressure. This segment also caters to vegetarians seeking meat-like products without animal origin. The rise of “flexitarian” consumers, inspired by the availability of plant-based meat, is driving research and innovation in this field.
The Golden Friend of the Earth standard aims to systematically produce plant-based meat using the best available parameters for Sustainable agricultural production. It includes social and environmental management systems, ecosystem preservation, protection of wild flora, waste and energy management, and other relevant requirements.
Requirements
The requirements for companies to meet in order to obtain Friend of the Earth certification for Sustainable plant-based meat include:
- A well organised environmental management procedure
- A system to protect the ecosystem, with implementation of areas dedicated to the conservation of wild flora and fauna
- The reduction in the use of chemically synthetic substances according to the principles of organic or integrated pest management agriculture
- Biological control, the rational use of water resources
- Minimization of mechanical operations on the ground and its compaction
- The use of energy from renewable resources
- Control and monitor gas emissions, greenhouse effect and the implementation of the systems to reduce them
- Social responsibility
Technical Documents
What are plant based meats?
Plant-based meats are made from plants to mimic meat in taste, texture, and appearance. They use alternative protein sources like pulses, wheat gluten, and soy protein. These products replicate meat’s natural qualities, including nutritional value. There are two types: whole muscle meat, resembling steak or chicken breast, and restructured meat, like burgers and sausages.
What are the benefits of plant-based meats?
High meat intake poses health risks, while vegetable protein sources offer benefits like lower cardiovascular disease risk and potential anticancer properties. Cutting back on meat also helps the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water usage in animal food production. Concerns about socio-economic issues are pushing consumers towards sustainable food choices like adopting vegetarian diets. The Golden Friend of the Earth standard aims to produce plant-based meat Sustainably to meet consumer demand for eco-friendly options.
Apply
As a first step you need to download, compile and return to info@friendoftheearth.org the preliminary information form (PIF):
- The PIF does not oblige the applying company to commit to proceeding with the audit phase.
- Any checks before the audit are free of charge.
- All information will be kept strictly confidential.
If you think the Friend of the Earth logo has been used incorrectly, please let us know by writing to: marketing@friendofthesea.org
Please give us as much information as possible about the product; information provided will be processed respecting confidentiality.
