Toitū Carbon Reduce Certified : Whitestone Cheese's Sustainability Journey

November 03, 2025

From the limestone-rich soils of the Waitaki Valley, our environment has always shaped who we are. Protecting it isn’t just a responsibility - it’s a way of honouring the place that gives our cheese its distinctive character.

We’re proud to share that we are now Toitū carbon reduce certified - marking the beginning of a new chapter in our sustainability journey. This certification means our carbon footprint has been independently measured and verified in line with international best practice. More importantly, it reflects our commitment to actively reduce emissions and operate responsibly for future generations.

Why We Took This Step

Our decision to pursue Toitū certification stems from a simple belief - the future of New Zealand cheesemaking must be sustainable. As a proud NZ owned and operated company, we feel a deep responsibility to protect the natural resources our cheesemaking depends on. This certification helps us understand our impact, set a clear baseline, and make meaningful improvements for the long term.

Establishing Our Baseline: Year One (July 2023 – June 2024)

Our first year focused on measurement and insight. Through Toitū’s rigorous process, we identified and quantified our total carbon footprint, giving us clarity on where our emissions come from and where we can make the greatest difference.

Taking Action: The Steps We’ve Already Taken

We’ve already taken proactive steps to reduce our footprint - partnering with Meridian Energy, New Zealand’s only 100% renewable energy company, and exploring solar installation at our Oamaru factory. We’re also converting more of our chillers to a glycol system, improving efficiency and reducing emissions.

While some challenges remain - such as reducing reliance on LPG and improving waste management - we’re committed to continuous improvement. Our team is engaged through training and awareness programmes to ensure sustainability is part of our culture at every level.

Looking Ahead

Our Toitū certification is just the beginning. With our baseline now established, we’re setting SMART emissions reduction targets and planning tangible projects to drive progress. Every step brings us closer to a lower-carbon future - one where great cheese and great stewardship of the land go hand in hand.

Whitestone Cheese was built on the promise of quality, authenticity, and respect for the environment that sustains us. Our Toitū journey strengthens that promise - ensuring the same land that inspires our cheese today will continue to do so for generations to come.

If you'd like to learn more about our environmnetal practices and ongoing sustainability initiatives, visit our Our Environment page. 

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