SunOpta Releases 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance Report
26 April 2022 - 1:09AM
Business Wire
SunOpta reported strong progress across four
areas – products, planet, people and governance – as it seeks to
double plant-based business by 2025
Sustainable food and beverage company achieved
zero waste to landfill at three plant-based facilities
SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY), a U.S.-based, global pioneer
fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based and fruit-based food
and beverages, is proud to release its 2021 Environmental, Social
and Governance (ESG) Report. This annual update outlines progress
made in the 2021 fiscal year, and the steps the company is taking
to identify a path forward across four key areas: products, planet,
people and governance.
In 2020, SunOpta committed to reduce electricity by 40%, natural
gas by 30% and water use by 25% over an eight-year period. The
company in 2021 achieved zero waste at three plant-based beverage
manufacturing facilities and enlisted internal staff and external
consultants to track energy reduction goals. SunOpta seeks to
double its plant-based business from 2020 to 2025, and will create
real change responsibly, while transparently sharing ESG
efforts.
“SunOpta was founded as a sustainable company and sustainability
has always been at the core of what we do. We have created
actionable next steps and a clear path forward to continue on our
journey,” said Joe Ennen, CEO of SunOpta. “In addition to being a
global pioneer in the sustainable categories of plant-based and
fruit-based food and beverage and reducing our carbon footprint
with less water, land and emissions compared to dairy-based
alternatives, we are also making progress on other initiatives
including upcycled ingredients, zero waste and local and regional
production as we continue to fuel the future of food.”
Highlights from the 2021 report include:
- Products
- 44 of SunOpta’s branded products are enrolled in The Non-GMO
Project.
- SunOpta manufactures more than 300 organic products, including
29 of its own branded products.
- Due to its close proximity to customers across North America,
SunOpta’s fourth plant-based production facility in Midlothian,
Texas will help eliminate an estimated 15 million freight miles
annually, reducing carbon emissions.
- Planet
- Three facilities achieved zero waste to landfill in Allentown,
Pa. and Alexandria, Minn.
- 97.7% of all packaging by weight sourced by SunOpta was
recyclable.
- 261.25 tons of carbon emissions were saved by optimizing
transportation.
- SunOpta improved energy efficiency by 6% compared to its 2019
baseline.
- SunOpta’s new headquarters and innovation center utilizes
13,000 square feet of renewable bamboo flooring, 920 LED light
fixtures and four electric vehicle charging stations; solar panels
will offset more than 30% of electricity once operational.
- People
- The percentage of female leaders at the director level and
above rose to 37%, with a goal of 45% by 2025.
- The percentage of racially diverse salaried employees was 24%
in 2021, with a goal of 30% by 2026.
- Governance
- 33% of SunOpta’s Board of Director members are female.
- For accountability on sustainability practices, SunOpta created
a Sustainability Steering Committee to gather and analyze data and
explore opportunities for ESG improvements.
About SunOpta, Inc.
SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is a U.S.-based, global pioneer
fueling the future of sustainable, plant-based and fruit-based food
and beverages. Founded nearly 50 years ago, SunOpta manufactures
natural, organic and specialty products sold through retail and
foodservice channels. SunOpta operates as a manufacturer for
leading natural and private label brands, and also proudly produces
its own brands, including SOWN™, Dream™, West Life™ and Sunrise
Growers™. For more information, visit www.sunopta.com and
LinkedIn.
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Elizabeth Horton simmerpublicrelations@gmail.com (207)
838-0084
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