A number of Sainsbury’s stores will soon be partly powered by gas from cheese and dairy waste thanks to a unique new partnership with cheese producer Wyke Farms.

The year-long deal will see Wyke Farms supply a large proportion of the supermarket’s green gas, which currently makes up 6% of Sainsbury’s total gas use. 

The move is expected to save over 16 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a day and 24,000 tonnes over the length of the supply partnership - equivalent to over 5,000 average cars being driven for one year.

The green gas is generated from Wyke Farm’s farm and dairy waste.

The cheddar and butter producer is offering similar opportunities to other business who are keen to reduce their environmental impact.

Paul Crewe, Sainsbury’s head of sustainability, engineering and energy, said: “We are always looking for innovative ways to reduce our impact on the environment. Our partnership with Wyke Farms shows the commitment we have to drive down our carbon footprint in what we are sure will be an efficient and sustainable way.”

Wyke Farms managing director Richard Clothier added: “We are delighted to be supplying Sainsbury’s with green gas for their stores. Supplying customers with gas as well as cheese, taking waste back in return, all forms part of the type of circular approach where everyone is a winner – especially the environment.”