Food and beverage giant Nestlé’s Gerber baby food brand announced the launch of Climate Forward Ambition, its new sustainability ambition, with goals including achieving 100% carbon neutrality across its portfolio by 2035.
Initiatives included under the new program are targeted at reducing the company’s emissions impact across areas including packaging, manufacturing, supply chain management, recipe design, regenerative agriculture, and investing in high-quality offsetting projects.
According to Gerber, Climate Forward Nutrition aims to ensure that its products are produced in an eco-friendly way that enriches biodiversity and soil health, and reduces water usage. As part of the initiative Gerber also aims to fully reduce emissions from its Organic portfolio and Natural pouches, and glass jars by 2022.
Tarun Malkani, President and CEO at Gerber, said:
“For generations, Gerber has been committed to doing anything for baby, including taking action to help protect the planet, so babies can grow and thrive for years to come. “The commitment we make today is the start of the next chapter in elevating the choices we give parents who are seeking food that is good for baby and good for the planet, harnessing the next generation of regenerative farming and sustainable business practices. Our commitment to carbon neutrality is an important step in our climate journey, which will continue beyond 2035.”
The company outlined several key actions to reduce its carbon footprint, including
Sourcing 100% renewable electricity for its own manufacturing facilities and distribution centers by 2025;The addition of more plant-based protein products in its baby food portfolio;Plans to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025;Documenting the adoption of regenerative farming practices through data verified by Sustainable EnvironmentalEnvironmental criteria consider how a company performs as a steward of nature. Consultants’ EcoPractices® platform;Planting one million trees in a collaboration with the National Forest Foundation and One Tree Planted in U.S. National Forests across 10 states, among others.
Gerber also said that it is donating $100,000 worth of products to families served by the Feeding America network, making the first-ever carbon neutral baby food donation.
Blake Thompson, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Feeding America, added:
“Nutritious food is critical to a child’s development. A potential 13 million children are at risk of being food insecure this year, a number that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Feeding America is proud to partner with Gerber to help provide nutrient-dense food to children and families when they need it most.”
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