US – American food corporation Hormel Foods has announced its aim to source 100% of its global energy from renewable sources by 2030, as part of its new set of sustainability goals.
The ambitious environmental target forms part of the company’s challenge to achieve 20 corporate responsibility goals by 2030.
Other commitments by the US Fortune 500 company include establishing science-based greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets by 2023 and taking action across its supply chain to improve water quality, including the support of regenerative agriculture initiatives.
The targets follow the Minnesota-based corporation’s previous set of sustainability goals in which it achieved significant reductions in its packaging, non-renewable energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use and solid waste sent to landfills.
For example, Hormel Foods says it surpassed its goal to reduce product packaging by 25 million pounds by 2020.
Additionally the company, in 2019, announced its aim to become powered by almost 50% wind power and signed a virtual power purchase agreement for wind energy with Kinect Energy Group.
In that year, the company completed a major solar energy project at its Swiss American Sausage Company facility in Lathrop, California with enough power to supply more than 15 percent of the plant’s annual electricity consumption.
Hormel Foods aims to release further targets that are part of its 20 By 30 Challenge in future announcements, including goals surrounding education, community and food security.
“For nearly 130 years, Hormel Foods has continued to showcase its citizenship and stewardship by using its size and resources to make a difference,” said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and CEO of Hormel Foods.
“From sustainable packaging initiatives to water and energy stewardship, our global team of inspired people is committed to making lasting and measurable progress in protecting our natural resources.”
Mark Coffey, senior vice president of supply chain and manufacturing at Hormel Foods, added: “Our worldwide team of professionals and supply chain partners are ready to step up to the challenge to help us achieve these important sustainability goals.”
Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE
