General Mills Inc. (IW 100/260) announced on August 31 that it will reduce gas emissions by 28% across its full value chain – from farm to fork to landfill – over the next 10 years. And the company said it reached this number based on scientific findings which have determined what is necessary to sustain the health of the planet.
“For 150 years, General Mills has served the world by making food people love,” said Ken Powell, CEO of General Mills. “Our aim is to be around for another 150 years. We recognize that we must do our part to protect and conserve natural resources. Our business depends on it and so does the planet.”
The company says its goal is to achieve sustainable emission levels in line with scientific consensus by 2050. As outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, scientific consensus suggests a reduction of 50%-70% in absolute emissions by 2050.
The company has achieved success in reducing absolute emissions within its operations by 13% over the last ten years. This was accomplished by using energy more efficiently across its facilities and by converting to less greenhouse gas-intensive forms of energy.
However, nearly two-thirds of the company’s total greenhouse gas emissions occur upstream of its direct operations. “We know our greatest impact is outside our four walls – particularly in agriculture, ingredients and packaging. To reduce emission levels, we must work across our value chain with growers, suppliers, customers and industry partners. Together, we will identify new solutions and promote sustainable agriculture practices that drive emission reductions,” added Powell.
More on General Mills sustainability plan on Material Handling & Logistics.
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