Trisco Foods drives real-world sustainability with data-driven emissions management

By Matt Ivers

5 August 2026

Trisco Foods Pty Ltd has made a significant step forward in sustainability by establishing a credible baseline for business travel emissions. This initiative supports the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while meeting growing ESG expectations from global customers.

This solution emerged from Trisco Foods’ participation in the ESG Micro-Credential program, a fully funded, intensive, five-week online course delivered by Skills Lab, A Tetra Tech Company, (RTO 45486) and funded by Manufacturing Skills Queensland. The program equips manufacturers with practical ESG strategies tailored to their operational realities.

Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s chief executive Kris McCue emphasised the critical role of micro-credentials in helping manufacturers adapt swiftly to evolving sustainability demands.

“Micro-credentials like this equip manufacturers with the practical knowledge and confidence to embed ESG principles directly into their daily operations. Trisco Foods’ journey shows how focused training can turn sustainability commitments into measurable business improvements.”

“In today’s fast-changing market, it’s vital that Queensland manufacturers not only meet compliance but also innovate and lead in sustainability. Programs like this build the capability needed to drive lasting environmental and economic benefits.”

Trisco Foods’ Chief Technology Officer Dr Brenda Mossel said the program helped formalise sustainability work already well underway at the company.

“This micro-credential was part of a broader initiative to establish ESG baselines across the environmental and social spectrum. We had already made strong progress on sustainability initiatives across emissions, waste and water management — what we lacked was structured measurement, reporting and continuous improvement. This program gave us the framework to build on that foundation and move from good intentions to embedded, accountable practice.”

“One of the most valuable aspects was the focus on behaviour-driven metrics. Instead of just tracking emissions outcomes, we learned to identify and influence the underlying activities that cause those emissions. This shift empowers our teams to take ownership and make decisions that directly contribute to our sustainability targets.”

The program also became a development opportunity for the wider business. Trisco Foods brought together a cross-functional group of emerging talent from Operations, Sales & Marketing, and R&D who were passionate about sustainability. These team members have since taken on roles as internal sustainability ambassadors, with accountability and reporting responsibilities as the company moves to formalise its ESG initiatives.

Turning data into impact: measuring and managing emissions with ease

The program enabled Trisco Foods to accurately measure their business travel emissions—a key component of Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions from activities like business travel)—by engaging the right stakeholders and developing practical plans aligned with their operations.

By leveraging existing organisational data such as travel bookings and vehicle usage reports, Trisco Foods established a reliable emissions baseline without adding new data collection requirements or disrupting workflows.

“The program helped us recognise the value of data we already had to quickly build an accurate emissions baseline without increasing reporting demands,” said Dr. Mossel.

Focusing on achievable initiatives like increasing virtual meetings and encouraging low-emission travel allowed the company to integrate sustainability into existing operations with minimal effort.

This approach demonstrates that implementing ESG measures doesn’t have to be complex or disruptive. By building on current data and processes, Trisco Foods developed behaviour-based Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) targeting the root causes of emissions, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

ESG made simple: what you gain from the micro-credential

The ESG Micro-Credential course covers essential topics including:

  • Understanding ESG principles
  • Navigating the Australian regulatory landscape
  • Implementing effective ESG strategies
  • Conducting transparent reporting and communication
  • Monitoring ongoing improvements

Participants gain hands-on experience and develop tailored implementation plans that deliver measurable sustainability outcomes aligned with their business operations.

Skills Lab Executive General Manager, Laura Mabikafola, explained that the micro-credential gives manufacturing teams clear, usable tools to translate sustainability goals into everyday business actions.

“This program enables manufacturers to embed sustainability and environmental improvements into their core workflows, driving measurable improvements without overwhelming their teams.”

“The results we’re seeing, including Trisco Foods’ emissions management initiative, shows how targeted and supported training can deliver real gains in operational efficiencies and environmental performance, proving that sustainability and productivity can go hand in hand,” said Ms Mabikafola.

Anticipated benefits and future plans

Although still in the early phases of rolling out its ESG initiatives, Trisco Foods expects significant environmental and financial benefits. By establishing a clear emissions baseline and targeting behaviour-driven reductions, the company aims to lower its carbon footprint and improve operational efficiency.

Looking ahead, Trisco Foods plans to expand ESG training across teams and integrate sustainability principles more broadly into its operations. These efforts will strengthen the company’s leadership in responsible food manufacturing and support its commitment to evolving customer and regulatory expectations.

Inspired to embed sustainability in your manufacturing operations?

Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Micro-Credential program is a fully funded initiative designed to equip Queensland manufacturers with the practical skills and knowledge needed to implement effective ESG strategies. The nationally accredited program (ESG Micro-Credential MSS014015 Improve Sustainability Through Readily Implementable change) is delivered by Skills Lab (RTO 45486) this program helps businesses respond to evolving market demands, improve sustainability performance, and build competitive advantage.

Looking to enhance your ESG capabilities, meet regulatory requirements, or drive meaningful sustainability outcomes in your business? Contact Manufacturing Skills Queensland today.

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