Biscuit manufacturer Paterson Arran has been recognised for reducing its impact on the environment after receiving the Environmental Sustainability award at the 2017 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence awards.

Held at the EICC, Edinburgh and known as the ‘Food Oscars’, the Scotland Food and Drink Awards recognise businesses and individuals in Scotland who are leading the way with innovation, enterprise and quality.

Paterson Arran impressed judges with its environmental performance and the sustainable improvements it has made to cut waste. The company has been a landfill-free site since 2014, and despite an 86% increase in production and general waste, this has dropped by 65% since 2006. Overall energy use since 2006 has reduced by 34% and water consumption by 17%.

Allan Miller, sales and marketing director at Paterson Arran, said the company was delighted to have won the award.

“This has been several years in the making,” Miller said. “From the factory floor to our customer shop, we have significantly improved our environmental performance since formalising our Environmental Management System in 2007, and gaining ISO14001 recognition in 2009.”

Around 820 guests attended the awards ceremony, which was hosted by TV chef Simon Rimmer.