Consumer packaged goods company Post Holdings has released its 2023 ESG report as 2023 comes to a close. Here, the company delves into progress across four strategic pillars: sourcing, operational, product and social. The company is well-known for managing brands such as Weetabix, Pebbles and Bob Evans.
This year, the company has noted advancements in several areas. These include a data analytics initiative to map the end-to-end flow of purchased ingredients and materials into sold products, encouraging key suppliers to reduce their Scope 3 emissions by joining the CDP Supply Chain and the Supplier Leadership on Climate Transition, focusing on responsible sourcing, packaging, and marketing aspects, and supporting local communities with financial contributions.
“We are proud to share the actions we have taken through the management of our business operations and the culture we foster for our colleagues,” president and CEO Rob Vitale said in a statement. “Our efforts in this area help us leverage a foundation for growth and drive long-term sustainable value that benefits all of our constituents.”
Post Holdings: Responsible sourcing
In 2022, the company highlighted responsible sourcing efforts across its primary ingredients: wheat, eggs, cocoa, palm oil, soy and more. Currently, its Weetabix brand has received a 100% sustainable cocoa certification from Rainforest Alliances for its entire product range.
Weetabix is committed to the Weetabix Wheat Protocol, which covers quality, consistency, traceability, and environmental sustainability of the harvest. The brand also requires growers to become Red Tractor certified to reduce the food miles involved in transporting wheat. On a broader scale, Post Holdings is working to supply Rainforest Alliance- or Fair Trade-certified cocoa ingredients by 2025.
“Our efforts in this area help us leverage a foundation for growth and drive long-term sustainable value that benefits all of our constituents.”
The company also highlighted its stock of “wholesome egg products” that include traditional, cage-free and organic selections. Post Holdings foodservice and refrigerated retail businesses regularly work with farmers, researchers, animal welfare groups and food companies to ensure a sustainable egg supply.
Other key aspects include a No Deforestation Policy, in which the company aims to source 100% of its global commodities without deforestation or conversion impacts. Animal welfare is another priority. In this, the company has established an Animal Welfare Committee and aligned with the internationally accepted The Five Domains in approaching animal welfare and the standards, processes, and expectations for animal care.
Other sustainability initiatives
According to the company, greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 24% compared to the fiscal year 2022. This was achieved through reduced miles and investment in new fuel-efficient trucks, the installation of auxiliary power units to reduce idling, side skirts, and lowering empty miles through backhaul.
From an operational standpoint, Post Holdings has committed to a 30% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 against a 2020 baseline. The report details a successful 18% decrease in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, despite a 17% increase in production volume.
The company is also delving into designing sustainable packaging options for its entire product line. It has committed to 100% recyclable cereal and product packaging by 2025, with Weetabix achieving this goal in late 2022 by changing the paper wrap in Weetabix biscuit boxes. Using this knowledge, Post Holdings is working on ensuring its Ready Brek portion sachets are 100% recyclable, as well.
Overall, plastic film usage in cereal bags marketed by the company has been reduced by more than one million pounds, as well as slashing paper packaging material usage by approximately 930,000 pounds.
To access the full report, visit Post Holdings.
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