NORTHFIELD, ILL. — Kraft Foods Inc. is making progress in its sustainability goals with accomplishments such as reducing energy use by 16%, CO2 emission by 18%, incoming water by 30% and net waste by 42% from 2005 to 2010, the company announced.
In addition, 60 million road miles have been eliminated from its transportation and distribution network. The company announced this progress along with other sustainability findings as the company has undertaken an effort to survey the company’s total impact on climate change, land and water use.
“Having the ‘big picture’ of our total footprint — from farm to fork — validates the focus of our sustainability efforts, particularly advancing sustainable agriculture,” said Roger Zellner, sustainability director for research, development and quality. “Experts say climate change, land and water use may be among the biggest challenges in feeding a world of 9 billion people in 2050. As we continue our sustainability journey, we now have more insight into where we can make the greatest difference.”
From 2010 to 2015, the company said it plans to increase sustainable sourcing of agricultural commodities by 25%, reduce energy use in manufacturing plants by 15%, reduce energy-related CO2 emissions in manufacturing plants by 15%, reduce water consumption in manufacturing plants by 15%, reduce waste at manufacturing plants by 15%, eliminate 50,000 tonnes of packaging material and reduce 50 million miles from its transportation network.
The company said the bulk of its environmental footprint comes from the farms that grow ingredients for the company’s products. Kraft does not own farms, but the study shows the company should continue to support sustainable agriculture efforts on key commodities. The company found more than 90% of its carbon footprint comes from outside its plants and offices with 60% coming from farm commodities, and about 12% of the footprint is from transportation and distribution of products from stores to consumers’ homes.