As sustainable practices become increasingly important to today’s consumers, food brands are making their environmental goals and initiatives clear.
In honor of Earth Day, here’s a closer look at companies taking steps to become more planet-conscious:
MARS
In partnership with sustainability consultancy Guidehouse, Mars is forming a new coalition: the Supplier Leadership on Climate Transition. The partnership aims to drive industrywide movement by providing suppliers with the knowledge, resources and tools to develop their own climate plans.
During its first year, the program will focus on helping suppliers understand the foundations of greenhouse gas reductions in their businesses, including knowledge on how to calculate their own GHG footprints and set their own science-based targets. The company has already made progress to cut emissions in its own operations by switching to renewables, which now account for 54% of the company’s global electricity use.
ANHEUSER-BUSCH INBEV
In an effort to appeal to younger, environmentally conscious consumers, Anheuser Busch InBev will use solar power to brew Michelob Ultra Pure Gold beer, reported Bloomberg (April 19). By 2025, the company plans to only use renewable energy sources.
The move follows the company serving its flagship Michelob Ultra brand in cans made from “carbon-free” aluminum.
PEPSICO
PepsiCo recently announced its 2030 goal to scale regenerative farming practices across seven million acres, approximately equal to its entire agricultural footprint.
PepsiCo’s Positive Agriculture agenda aims to source crops and ingredients in a way that accelerates regenerative agriculture and strengthens farming communities. The company estimates the effort will eliminate at least three million tons of greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the decade.
STOP & SHOP
In an effort to reduce food waste, Stop & Shop is piloting the Flashfood app at four Massachusetts stores, offering shoppers exclusive deals on items nearing their best-by date.
“About $161 billion worth of food is thrown out each year in this country, and as a grocer we must do our part in reducing that number,” said Gordon Reid, Stop & Shop president in a press release.
More notable sustainable headlines:
- Taco Bell will collaborate with TerraCycle later this year to recycle its hot sauce packets.
- The Hershey Co. announced two clean energy partnerships to develop solar projects in the U.S. with the goal to reduce emissions by more than 50%.
- Wendy’s released its 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report detailing the progress made across its three key focus areas of “food, people and footprint.”
- Chipotle achieved a 51% waste diversion rate through recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy programs.
