Our 2020 environmental goals are being measured against base year 2011 and include greenhouse gas emissions, energy, water and solid waste.
Our packaging minimization goal was established in fiscal year 2012, and we also monitor progress toward goals designed to support animal welfare, sodium reduction, innovation, employee safety, diversity and inclusion, and communities. Many of our goals support the Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Goal: Reduce GHG emissions by 10% by 2020.
In 2016, we reduced over 9,000 metric tons of GHG emissions from our manufacturing operations – 51% of our goal when combined with our previous progress.
Energy
GOAL: Reduce nonrenewable energy use by 10% by 2020.
In 2016, we reduced our energy use by more than 157,000 MMBtu – 84% of our goal when combined with our previous progress.
Water
Goal: Reduce water use by 10% by 2020.
In 2016, we reduced water use by 239 million gallons – exceeding our goal by 31% when combined with our previous progress.
Solid Waste
Goal: Reduce solid waste sent to landfills by 10% by 2020.
After surpassing our goal in 2014, we continue to achieve additional reductions – in 2016 alone we reduced the amount of solid waste sent to landfills by 94 tons.
Packaging Minimization
Goal: Reduce product packaging by 25 million pounds by 2020.
In 2016, we reduced product packaging by 1.9 million pounds – 82% of our goal when combined with our previous progress.
Animal Welfare
Goal: Maintain the highest standards for animal welfare and handling throughout our entire supply chain.
In 2016, more than 2,000 audits were conducted to ensure the accountability of our standards, and we publicly announced our antibiotic stewardship efforts.
Sodium Reduction
Goal: Reduce sodium levels in select products within our branded retail product portfolio by an average of 15%.
*New category in 2016
Innovation
Goal: Deliver 15% of sales from new products developed and launched in the previous five years (new goal in 2016).
We will report our progress in future reports.
Employee Safety
Goal: Provide a safe workplace for all employees and reduce our injury/illness rates each year.
Since 2006
Diversity and Inclusion
Goal: Promote a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
An additional employee resource group was formed, and we received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.
Communities
Goal: Help others through our focus areas of hunger, education and supporting the local communities where we operate.
2016 was a record year for our giving, with $10.9 million in cash and product donations.