Our 2020 environmental goals are being measured against base year 2011 and include greenhouse gas (GHG) 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 care, sodium reduction, innovation, employee safety, inclusion and diversity, 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 2018, we reduced over 8,900 metric tons of GHG emissions from our manufacturing operations — 67 percent of our goal when combined with our previous progress.
Energy
GOAL: Reduce nonrenewable energy use by 10% by 2020.
In 2018, we reduced energy use by more than 128,000 MMBtu and surpassed our nonrenewable energy use reduction goal.
Water
Goal: Reduce water use by 10% by 2020.
After exceeding our goal to reduce water use in 2016, we implemented additional projects that reduced water use by over 61 million gallons in 2018.
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 2018, we implemented projects that reduced the amount of solid waste sent to landfills by 72 tons.
Packaging Minimization
Goal: Reduce product packaging by 25 million pounds by 2020.
In 2018, we reduced product packaging by 2.5 million pounds* — 99 percent of our goal when combined with our previous progress.
Animal Care
Goal: Maintain the highest standards for animal care and handling throughout our entire supply chain.
In 2018, more than 2,000 audits were conducted to ensure the accountability of our standards.
Sodium Reduction
Goal: Reduce sodium levels in select products within our branded retail product portfolio by an average of 15% BY 2020.
Innovation
Goal: Deliver 15% of sales in the year 2020 generated from products created in the last five years.
At the end of 2018, over 14% of our sales came from innovative new items.
Employee Safety
Goal: Provide a safe workplace for all employees and reduce our injury/illness rates each year.
Inclusion and Diversity
Goal: Promote a more inclusive and diverse workplace.
We have nine employee resource groups in place to support our efforts.
Community
Goal: Help others through our focus areas of hunger, education and supporting the local communities where we operate.
We donated more than $15 million in cash and products in 2018 — a company record.
*Savings are estimated annualized savings based on a full year of volume