MEXICO— Grupo Bimbo, the world’s largest baking company, has launched a new sustainability strategy that the company’s chief executive officer said positions the company to do more for people and the planet by setting “transparent, far-reaching, ambitious goals.”
The new strategy, which has been developed based on a materiality assessment, is defined through three pillars: Baked for You, Baked for Nature and Baked for Life.
The Baked for You pillar is focused on making baked products and snacks with simple and natural recipes and ensuring accessible options are available at every point of sale.
Under the Pillar, Bimbo also aims for all these products to be part of a healthy plant-based diet by including a wide array of whole grains and other healthy plant-based ingredients in its recipes.
Under the Baked for Nature pillar, the group intends to protect and regenerate natural systems by becoming a net zero carbon emissions company by following Science Based Targets initiative’s framework.
It also wants to ensure all of its packagings supports a circular economy by 2030 while achieving a reduction of 20% in water consumption and 50% less food waste in its operations.
The third and final pillar is Baked for Life, which the company said is about improving the lives of everyone Grupo Bimbo reaches and empowering the communities in which it’s a part of.
Under this pillar, the Group aims to Strengthen the implementation of Good Neighbor projects in each work center by Promoting a volunteering culture and strengthening dedicated programs to the value chain, especially those focused on small farmers and customers.
“Over the last decades, our sustainability strategy encompassed many different areas like health and well-being, the planet, our relationship with the communities around us and what we do for our associates,” said Daniel J. Servitje, CEO of Grupo Bimbo, in a conference call launching the strategy.
In the 1960s, the company started its social programs and promoted healthy lifestyles with Futbolito Bimbo. In 1991, the company developed its first environmental policy. That was followed by the decision to measure nutritional guidance in 2008 and by the launch of biodegradable packaging in 2009.
Highlights in recent years include Grupo Bimbo’s recognition as the first company in Mexico to receive clean energy certificates and the company’s pledge in 2021 to reach net-zero carbon emissions and 100% renewable energy by 2025.
The CEO noted that with this new strategy Bimbo is contributing in a determined way to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
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