Mondelez announces new sustainability goals

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Global snack maker Mondelez International on Wednesday announced a new set of goals to make the company’s operations more sustainable by 2020 as part of its Call for Well-being. The company will focus on curbing carbon dioxide emissions, reducing the deforestation in its agriculture supply chain, reduce water use in high-priority areas and eliminate packaging material. 

“Our Sustainability 2020 goals place us at the forefront of the fight against climate change and support our ambition to be the leader in well-being snacks, while reducing costs and generating efficiencies that accelerate our growth,” Mondelez EVP and Mondelez Europe president Hubert Weber said. “In 2014, we were a year ahead of schedule in accomplishing our 2015 goals for packaging, greenhouse gas emissions and net waste. These new goals take our commitment a step forward using the power of our global resources and partners to drive meaningful change at scale.”

Mondelez plans to use science-based targets to reduce CO2 emissions by 15 percent by 2020, and its deforestation will focus on cocoa and palm oil supply chains while recording and reporting its carbon footprint reduction that results from these efforts. It will also continue its Cocoa Life campaign, which aims to make sustainably source its cocoa from local farmers. 

“Our Sustainability 2020 initiatives on energy, water and waste reduction will improve efficiency and create the fuel to accelerate growth,” Weber said. “The goals also support our cocoa and wheat programs to ensure we have a sustainable supply of these key raw materials.”

The company also plans to eliminate some 65,000 tons of packaging and reduce its manufacturing waste by 20%. For more information and additional goals, see the infographic below.