Company also announces it has adopted Science
Based Targets to achieve aggressive emissions reductions
For more media materials, please visit:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8642451-maple-leaf-foods-carbon-neutral/
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - (TSX:
MFI) – Maple Leaf Foods Inc. ("Maple Leaf" or "the Company")
today announced a massive step forward on its sustainability
journey, as it becomes the first major food company in the world to
be carbon neutral. The Company's announcement acknowledges the
impact of the global food system on the environment and the urgent
need for transformative change to reduce global greenhouse gas
emissions to zero.
As a leading North American producer of meat and plant
proteins, Maple Leaf's path to carbon neutrality is predicated on
aggressively reducing emissions by meeting the gold standard of
widely respected Science Based Targets, which align global
greenhouse gas emission reductions with the goals of the
Paris Agreement on Climate Change. In doing so, the Company becomes
one of just three animal protein companies in the world to set
Science Based Targets, approved by the international Science Based
Target Initiative.
"There is simply no more time to waste. The devastating impact
of climate change on our planet must be confronted head-on by
business leaders with decisive and immediate action," said
Michael McCain, Maple Leaf Foods
President and CEO. "The global food system must change dramatically
if we are to sustainably feed the world's growing population. We
recognize that producing nutrient-dense foods takes vital planetary
resources, and we are staking our future on being carbon neutral
today, and every day going forward."
Maple Leaf has made significant progress towards its goal to
reduce its environmental footprint by 50% by 2025 - an aggressive
environmental target in the industry. Since 2015, the Company has
reduced over 86 million kilowatt hours of electricity – equal to
12,912 passenger vehicles driven for one year -- and over 4.3
million m3 of natural gas, which equals annual energy usage for
1,000 homes. Through its water conservation efforts, Maple
Leaf has reduced water usage by over 1.2 billion liters. By
committing to setting Science Based Targets, Maple Leaf will work
even more aggressively to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across
its operations and more broadly within its supply chain.
As part of becoming carbon neutral, the Company is also
investing in credible and independently verified, high-impact
environmental projects throughout Canada and the
United States to address its remaining carbon footprint,
bringing it to zero. These projects support wind energy, recovering
methane gas from landfills, composting and biomass programs to
reduce methane emissions, and forest protection and re-forestry to
conserve species and biodiversity.
"Today's actions are not just about being socially responsible;
they are about survival," said McCain. "Consumers rightfully expect
business and political leaders to solve these problems and address
the profound consequences of our climate crisis. Our announcement
demonstrates that carbon neutrality and Science Based Targets for
emissions reduction are both achievable – and urgent. We hope
our actions inspire food companies and businesses broadly to join
us in the critical fight against climate change."
Today's announcement is a milestone in Maple Leaf Foods' vision
to be the most sustainable protein company in the world. For more
information, visit mapleleaffoods.com/carbonstrategy.
Additional Quotes:
"Addressing greenhouse gas emissions is a top priority for
WWF-Canada. We encourage communities, industries and government to
join us in reducing our carbon footprint, to benefit wildlife and
address the climate crisis," said Megan
Leslie, President and CEO, WWF-Canada. "Maple Leaf Foods'
effort to set Science Based Targets and become carbon neutral shows
leadership in sustainability and a commitment to raising the
standards for all business in Canada."
"We must accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and a
sustainable food system," said Diane Holdorf Managing Director,
Food & Nature Program at the World Business Council for
Sustainable Development (WBCSD). "This level of leadership by
Maple Leaf Foods is extremely important. WBCSD highly values
their contributions to our Food Reform for Sustainability and
Health (FReSH) project - one of WBCSD's key business-led solutions
to drive the transformation of the global food system."
"Maple Leaf Foods is showing tremendous sustainability
leadership," said John Powers, VP of
Strategic Renewables for Schneider Electric, which advised on the
selection of environmental projects. "They are making a substantial
commitment, and in doing so, creating a path for others in the
industry to create and act on bold environmental goals."
Related Information
Watch CEO Michael McCain's announcement
Associated Links
Maple Leaf Foods
Maple Leaf Foods/CarbonStrategy
Science Based Targets
WWF
WBCSD
Schneider Electric
About Maple Leaf Foods
Maple Leaf Foods is a producer
of food products under leading brands including Maple Leaf®, Maple
Leaf Prime®, Maple Leaf Natural Selections®, Schneiders®,
Schneiders® Country Naturals®, Mina®, Greenfield Natural Meat Co.®,
Lightlife®, Field Roast Grain Meat Co.TM and Swift®.
Maple Leaf employs approximately 12,500 people and does business in
Canada, the U.S. and Asia. The Company is headquartered in
Mississauga, Ontario and its
shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MFI).
Follow us on Twitter:
@MapleLeafFoods
#sustainability #climateaction #carbonneutral
#mapleleaffoods
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains
forward-looking statements based on the Company's current
expectations and assumptions relating to its environmental
performance, its sustainability and emission reduction efforts, as
well as the effectiveness of these efforts and initiatives.
As these forward-looking statements depend upon future events,
actual outcomes may differ materially depending on factors such as:
operating performance, the results of sustainability and emission
reduction initiatives, the performance of third parties from whom
off-sets are purchased and the third party certification processes
for off-sets . These statements are based on current
expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections but there can
be no assurance that the results or developments anticipated the
Company will be realized. For more information refer to the
Company's Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year
ended December 31, 2018, its most
Annual Information Form (both available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com)
and its most recent Sustainability Report available at
www.mapleleaffoods.com.
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SOURCE Maple Leaf Foods Inc.