Northumberland-based Tyne Chease – producer of the UK’s first artisan vegan cheese – has always prioritised and championed sustainability within its business.

Founded in 2014 by Ami Deane, herself a life long vegan, caring for the environment and being as sustainable as possible has always been important to the family run business. 

When Tyne Chease was first launched, it was important to Ami and her husband, James, that it reflected their personal values; they wanted the company to embody the same beliefs.

To achieve this, they began by locally sourcing as many products and materials as possible. They started with the product packaging; sourcing plastic free, handmade wooden boxes from a local supplier. Whilst the poplar boxes are expensive, Tyne Chease has committed to continue using them until they can find a more cost effective, fully sustainable option. 

Tyne Chease also began to look at the environmental and ethical credentials of its supply chains; something they had not done previously. As large importers of cashew nuts, Ami and James discovered that the cashew farming could be harmful to farmers if they are not properly protected. Tyne Chease began to work with its existing suppliers to ensure they were doing everything possible to ensure wider supply chains were ethical. 

The company would often change suppliers based on price, but it has made the commitment to only use suppliers registered with Sedex, a membership organisation that allows companies to improve their responsible and sustainable business practices, and source responsibly.

One of Tyne Chease’s new suppliers, which is based in Goa, India, is very community focused, helping to build banks and schools in the country. Tyne Chease is currently reviewing the rest of its supply chains in a bid to source more organic and sustainability sourced products.

In the future, Tyne Chease would like to achieve B Corp Certification, a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials. Companies awarded B Corp Certification must demonstrate high standards of social importance, environmental impacts, and that the business embodies those values.

As a whole, the company aims to do as much as possible to support the drive to net zero, whilst as the same time focusing on the development and support of its staff.

Tyne Chease owners, Ami and James Deane, have recently put the company up for sale, but are committed to ensuring the new owners continue the company’s tradition of sustainability.

Read more about Tyne Chease by visiting www.tynechease.com.

Tyne Chease is just one of hundreds of organisations helping the North East reach its net zero targets and make a difference on a global scale. 

If you’ve a story to share or would like to find out more how you can start your decarbonisation journey, please email [email protected].