August 6, 2010

Tyson Foods releases Sustainability Report

Tyson Foods, Inc. has issued its sustainability report this week that highlights water conservation, renewable fuels production and workplace safety improvements.

Titled "Rooted in Tradition. Growing Responsibly," the document covers the social, environmental and economic performance of Tyson's US operations for fiscal 2008 and 2009.

"The business case for sustainable practices is positive, bottom-line impact. Improving conditions for our people, planet, and profit makes economic sense. That bottom line argument is even more important in this tough economy-especially for our Team Members and shareholders," said Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson Foods.

"Sustainability at Tyson Foods is about doing the right thing in all aspects of our business. Along with our 'Core Values,' it guides our actions in such important areas as hunger relief, food safety, environmental protection, animal well-being, ethical business practices and the health and safety of our employees," said Kevin Igli, Tyson's chief environmental, health and safety officer.

The report highlights the progress and successes the company has experienced in key areas of its business such as Tyson's water conservation efforts since 2004, including plant closures, have led to an almost 14% reduction in the number of gallons used per pound of finished product. Also, as part of a joint venture between Tyson Foods and Syntroleum, a new plant has been built that will soon start converting inedible fats and greases into renewable fuels.

In workplace safety, Tyson reduced its Total Recordable Incident Rate by more than 19% in fiscal 2009, compared to fiscal 2008. The company's support of hunger relief continues. Since 2000, Tyson has donated more than 75 million pounds of protein to food banks and hunger agencies across the US.

The report also outlines Tyson's latest sustainability goals namely: reduce water usage by 10% over a two-year period as compared to water usage levels at the end of fiscal year 2008; produce up to 75 million gallons of bio-fuel annually within the next four years; donate millions of pounds of protein annually to Feeding America food banks across the country; and support government policies that will encourage the use of non-food sources for renewable energy.

Tyson Foods referenced the sustainability reporting guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) during the development of the company's new report.  These voluntary guidelines provide a generally accepted framework for the reporting of an organisation's social, environmental and economic performance.  Tyson requested and qualified for GRI Application Level B. The Application Levels communicate the extent the GRI guidelines have been used in the sustainability report.