Our packaging minimization goal was established in fiscal year 2012, and we also monitored progress toward goals designed to support animal care, sodium reduction, innovation, employee safety, inclusion and diversity, and communities. Many of our 2020 goals supported the UN Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.
In 2021, we were pleased to announce our new set of corporate responsibility goals — 20 qualitative and quantitative goals we aim to achieve by 2030. These goals were based on our robust key topics assessment process that identifies and prioritizes the topics most relevant to our business and our stakeholders. In addition, we aimed to set goals that helped support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Additional information about our 20 By 30 Challenge can be found on our corporate website.
In 2020, we reduced over 5,700 metric tons of GHG emissions from our manufacturing operations — 83 percent of our goal when combined with our previous progress.
In 2020, we reduced energy use by more than 98,000 MMBtu. We have surpassed our reduction target by 32 percent.
After exceeding our goal to reduce water use in 2016, we implemented additional projects that reduced water use by 119 million gallons in 2020.
After surpassing our goal in 2014, we continue to achieve additional reductions. In 2020, we implemented projects that reduced the amount of solid waste sent to landfills by 38 tons.
After surpassing our goal in 2019, we continue to achieve additional reductions. In 2020, we reduced product packaging by more than 553,000 pounds.*
In 2020, more than 1,900 audits were conducted to ensure our standards are being met.
At the end of 2020, 15 percent of our sales came from innovative new items.
In 2020, 52 percent of our team was represented by ethnic minorities.
We donated more than $8.2 million in cash and products in 2020.
*Savings are estimated annualized savings based on a full year of volume.