Environment
In 2018, we surpassed our nonrenewable energy use reduction goal.
2018 Highlights
We are inspired to do our part in making the world better. That’s why we place great emphasis on minimizing environmental impacts when producing products for customers and consumers around the world. Our efforts include a focus on protecting water quality, reducing fresh water use and improving our mix of renewable energy sources, recognizing the importance of these actions in light of the effects of climate change.
To minimize our environmental impact, we set goals to reduce our nonrenewable energy use, water use, solid waste sent to landfills and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 10 percent by 2020 at our domestic manufacturing facilities. These goals are established on a target to implement projects that provide absolute reductions equaling 10 percent of our base-year level (2011). We invest in our facilities and establish specific metrics to improve the efficiency of our operations to help meet these environmental goals across the company.
In addition to these goals, we aim to reduce our product packaging by 25 million pounds by 2020. Our packaging team regularly evaluates our packaging design, consistently looking for minimization opportunities.
Our Environmental Progress
Reduce nonrenewable energy use, water use, solid waste sent to landfills and GHG emissions by 10 percent, and reduce product packaging by 25 million pounds.
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8.9K+Metric Ton Reduction
GHG Emissions
In 2018, we implemented projects that resulted in a reduction of over 8,900 metric tons of GHG emissions from our domestic manufacturing operations, reaching 67 percent of our goal when combined with our progress since 2012. We expect to meet our GHG emissions reduction goal in 2020 as we work with our partners to bring a 74 MW renewable wind field online.
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Surpassed Goals
Energy
In 2018, we implemented projects that resulted in reduced energy use exceeding 128,000 MMBtu. We are pleased to report we surpassed our nonrenewable energy use reduction goal in 2018.
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Water
Water
After exceeding our goal to reduce water use in 2016, we implemented additional projects that reduced water use by 61 million gallons in 2018. In addition, we have developed and published our Sustainable Agriculture Policy, completed a high-level water risk assessment of our top suppliers and are a founding member of the Cedar River Watershed Partnership.
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Solid Waste
We surpassed our solid waste sent to landfills reduction goal in 2014. In 2018, we implemented projects that reduced the amount of solid waste sent to landfills by 72 tons.
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2.5MPounds Saved
Packaging
In 2018, our packaging team’s sustainability initiatives resulted in 2.5 million pounds in savings.* When combined with our progress made since 2012, these savings represent 99 percent of our goal to reduce product packaging by 25 million pounds by 2020.
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$2.2M+
Facility Improvements
We implemented more than $2.2 million in facility improvements related to environmental sustainability efforts.
For information about how we manage environmental compliance, please visit our corporate website.
*Savings are estimated annualized savings based on a full year of volume
Expanding Sustainability Through Partnership
Hormel Foods joins with private and nonprofit groups to protect water quality
Explore the Partners