Last updated on September 7th, 2012 at 10:04 am
Kraft Foods shared results on Dec. 14 of a pioneering survey that measured its impact on climate change, land and water use.
The multi-year foot printing project — in partnership with Quantis Inc. and reviewed and analyzed by World Wildlife Fund and notable academics at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment — goes far beyond the company’s walls.
“Having the ‘big picture’ of our total footprint — from farm to fork — validates the focus of our sustainability efforts, particularly advancing sustainable agriculture,” said Roger Zellner, Sustainability Director for Research, Development & Quality, in a company press release. “Experts say climate change, land and water use may be among the biggest challenges in feeding a world of 9 billion people in 2050. As we continue our sustainability journey, we now have more insight into where we can make the greatest difference.”
The bulk of Kraft Foods’ environmental footprint originates on the farms that grow ingredients for the company’s products. While the company does not own farms, the survey supports the work of its sustainable agriculture efforts on key commodities.
This May, Kraft Foods announced expanded sustainability goals and highlighted progress against its six sustainability focus areas. The company’s new goals now include the Cadbury and LU businesses acquired since 2007 and Kraft Foods has added transportation and agricultural commodities to what it will be measuring.
By the end of 2015 Kraft Foods plans to increase sustainable sourcing of agricultural commodities by 25 percent; reduce energy use in manufacturing plants by 15 percent; reduce energy-related CO2 emissions in manufacturing plants by 15 percent; reduce water consumption in manufacturing plants by 15 percent; reduce waste at manufacturing plants by 15 percent; eliminate 50,000 metric tons (100 million lbs.) of packaging material and reduce 80 million km (50 million miles) from its transportation network.
