Accidental greenhouse gas release at Perth meat plant

Sepa is investigating a major accidental release of one of the most potent types of greenhouse gases at a Perth meat producer.

The environmental watchdog said the release of F-Gases (fluorinated gases) at Anglo Beef Processors UK is the second largest incident of its kind in Europe's food and drink sector.

The release was caused by an issue with the plant's refrigeration system.

Anglo Beef Processors said the release occurred following machine failure.

The firm said a new refrigeration system was subsequently installed.

Sepa identified the issue in February and said its investigation was ongoing.

Details of the 2021 accidental release emerged in Sepa's annual report on greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sites.

The watchdog said the Perth incident alone accounted for 87% of the total hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) emissions from all industrial sectors in Scotland for 2021.

F-Gases are man-made and often used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances in the likes of fridges and air conditioning units.

However, they have a much higher warming potential than carbon dioxide (CO2) and make a greater contribution to climate change.