Krispy Kreme, particularly its UK team, has made notable strides in sustainability and waste reduction in 2022, most significantly in a successful partnership with the food waste-saving app Too Good to Go. This collaboration led to nearly 275,000 donuts being sold at a discount, saving 113.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, equivalent to the emissions from 128 flights from London to New York.
This was detailed in the company’s inaugural “Be Sweet” responsibility report released on December 13. Other efforts in 2022, include a focus on supplier management, requiring all new key suppliers to adhere to the company’s Supplier Code of Conduct or submit their own for review.
“We are putting a firm stake in the ground on our commitment to Be Sweet in every element of our operations, in the communities we serve, and for the planet.”
The company also engaged in sustainability sessions and evaluated key suppliers to ensure their strategies and initiatives align with Krispy Kreme’s sustainability goals. A notable aim for the future is achieving 100% cage-free eggs by 2025.
“As we aspire to be the world’s most loved sweet treat brand, we take seriously our responsibility to drive positive impact, and none of our accomplishments are possible without our amazing team members, who are the heartbeat of our company,” CEO Mike Tattersfield said in a statement. “For everyone at Krispy Kreme, being sweet is an ongoing mission, and we’ll keep striving to make a positive difference in the long-term.”
Krispy Kreme: Efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Despite an increase in Scope 1 and 2 carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in the fiscal year 2022 compared to 2021, Krispy Kreme utilized its greenhouse gas inventory to develop emission targets in line with the Science Board Targets initiative (SBTi). The company also worked with the Task Force for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) to outline climate-related risks, opportunities, and key metrics.
In the UK and Ireland, Krispy Kreme started sourcing renewable energy and strategic carbon offsets, leading to carbon neutrality in these regions, as verified by Sustainable Advantage. The offset initiatives include renewable energy and conservation projects like the Musi River Hydro in Indonesia, the Vinh Hao 6 Solar Power Project in Vietnam, and the Maisa REDD+ Project in Brazil.
Waste reduction and recyclability goals
The company has stressed waste reduction as a top priority in its “Be Sweet” strategy, with plans to divert at least 50% of food waste from landfills by 2025. Initiatives include improved demand planning, food waste to animal feed programs, a global food donation strategy, working with surplus food apps, employee waste training, and optimized merchandising solutions.
In 2022, Krispy Kreme achieved 65% recyclability through various initiatives, including 100% recyclable retail cartons globally and efforts to reduce single-use plastic. The company is also working towards 80% recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025.
“This report reflects our focus and commitment to driving progress in the areas that matter most to our team members, consumers, customers, and everyone engaged with the world’s most loved sweet treat,” said Josh Charlesworth, incoming president and CEO. “We are putting a firm stake in the ground on our commitment to Be Sweet in every element of our operations, in the communities we serve, and for the planet.”
