ConAgra Foods creates sustainability goals

ConAgra Foods Inc. announced five aggressive sustainability goals to be achieved by 2015, which build on the company's sustainability accomplishments.

This began in a company-wide fashion in 1992 with the ConAgra Foods Sustainable Development Awards programme, and this marks the first time ConAgra Foods has set company-wide sustainability goals.

ConAgra Foods' Sustainability Goals for 2015 include:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% per lb. of product produced as compared to 2008 emissions.
  
  
• Reduce water use by 15% per lb. of product produced as compared to 2008 water use.
  
  
• Divert solid waste from landfills by at least 75% as compared to 2011 levels.
  
  
• As compared to 2008, the company will reduce packaging by 10% per lb. of product produced, increase the amount of packaging made of renewable resources from 45% to more than 50%, and increase the use of recycled content in packaging overall by 25%.
  
  
• Encourage continuous improvement of the supply chain in the areas of energy, water, materials and waste. Work with growers to further enhance sustainable farming practices that optimise yield while improving land stewardship.

Meanwhile, ConAgra Foods has measured distinct sustainability projects since 2007 that have reduced carbon emissions by more than 25,000 tonnes and 7,000 tonnes of packaging materials, the company said.