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 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 2017, we reduced over 6,000 metric tons of GHG emissions from our manufacturing operations – 58% of our goal when combined with our previous progress.
Energy
GOAL: Reduce nonrenewable energy use by 10% by 2020.
In 2017, we reduced our energy use by more than 62,000 MMBtu – 93% of our goal when combined with our previous progress.
Water
Goal: Reduce water use by 10% by 2020.
After surpassing our goal in 2016, we continue to achieve additional reductions. In 2017 alone, we reduced water use by 101 million gallons.
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 2017 alone, we reduced the amount of solid waste sent to landfills by 179 tons.
Packaging Minimization
Goal: Reduce product packaging by 25 million pounds by 2020.
In 2017, we reduced product packaging by 1.7 million pounds – 89% 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 2017, 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%.
Innovation
Goal: Deliver 15% of sales from new products developed and launched in the previous five years.
In 2017, 14% of our sales were from new products developed and launched in the previous five years.
Employee Safety
Goal: Provide a safe workplace for all employees and reduce our injury/illness rates each year.
Diversity and Inclusion
Goal: Promote a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
We received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. In addition, we have nine employee resource groups in place to support our efforts.
Communities
Goal: Help others through our focus areas of hunger, education and supporting the local communities where we operate.
We contributed $7.8 million in cash and product donations in 2017.