June 13, 2022

 

Zoetis releases 2021 sustainability update

 

Zoetis published on June 8 its 2021 Sustainability Progress Update describing the company's progress toward achieving its "Driven to Care" long-term sustainability aspirations and continued disclosure on environmental, social and governance (ESG) topics.

 

The report highlights the company's journey to champion a healthier, more sustainable future through specific actions that support communities, animals and the planet. These commitments build on Zoetis' purpose and help achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

Complementing the report is the company's ESG and SASB Index, which shares key ESG performance indicators, including those identified by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) for the healthcare – biotechnology and pharmaceuticals industry.

 

"In our second year of reporting to our Driven to Care aspirations and targets, we have made solid progress in our journey toward healthier animals and a healthier world," said Jeannette Ferran Astorga, executive vice president  (corporate affairs, communications and sustainability) at Zoetis and president of the Zoetis Foundation. "I'm especially proud of how our colleagues across the globe have driven our progress in caring for our communities and customers through volunteering, developing innovative solutions for products and packaging and minimising our own carbon footprint."

 

Zoetis invested US$7.7 million in communities through corporate giving in 2021, with activities focused on supporting veterinary professionals, expanding access to animal care and providing animal care in disaster relief.

 

Specifically, the Zoetis Foundation provided grants of US$755,000 for scholarships in its first year, and Zoetis provided an additional approximately US$100,000 in corporate contributions for scholarships to support over 450 veterinary students. Additionally, Zoetis provided approximately US$1.6 million in monetary and in-kind product donations to care for over 721,000 animals impacted by natural disasters.

 

Building on last year's announcement of the Zoetis Foundation, the company's progress update provides metrics around grants provided in 2021 and the establishment of its US Matching Gifts and Dollars for Doers programs. Last year, the Zoetis Foundation committed US$35 million over five years to advance opportunities for veterinarians and farmers.

 

By focusing its innovation expertise and partnerships on solving sustainability challenges facing animals and people, Zoetis is committed to helping achieve the SDGs including "Zero Hunger" and "No Poverty". In its progress update, Zoetis provides details of how products such as Performance Ranch™, BLOCKYARD™ and CLARIFIDE®can help its cattle customers meet their productivity and sustainability needs. The report also includes an explanation of the company's approach to solutions for agricultural emissions.

 

Updated metrics are also included for the company's African Livestock Productivity and Health Advancement (ALPHA) initiative to support sustainable livestock health and production in sub-Saharan Africa.

 

In 2021, Zoetis trained 25,500 farmers, veterinary professionals, distributors and lab personnel – 30% were women – and treated 4.8 million cows and 121.6 million chickens in the region.

 

Further highlighting the work of Zoetis' Center for Transboundary and Emerging Diseases (CTED), and earning Zoetis recognition as one of Fast Company's "Most Innovative Companies" in 2022, the report includes an update on donating more than 26,000 doses of the company's COVID-19 vaccine to zoos and sanctuaries in more than a dozen countries, and supplying rabies vaccines to the World Organization for Animal Health Rabies Vaccine Bank.

 

The progress report also describes the company's collaborative approach to promoting responsible use of antibiotics in Latin America and Southeast Asia and reducing animal testing through partnerships in Brazil and the European Union.

 

In minimising the carbon footprint and improving environmental sustainability of the company's locations, Zoetis reported it reduced energy intensity in its manufacturing and R&D locations by 14%, exceeding its goal of 5% reduction by 2025.The company also sourced 13.5% renewable electricity and 6.1% renewable energy in 2021 as progress toward its RE100 commitment to source 100% renewable energy in its own operations by 2030 – which the company accelerated by 20 years in January 2022.

 

Additionally, the report includes details about the company's plans to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations by 2030 by focusing on energy efficiency and minimising energy needs, purchasing renewable electricity, electrifying its fleet and offsetting the remaining emissions. Zoetis reported a 10% reduction in Scope 1 emissions intensity in its manufacturing and research and development operations from 2020.

- Zoetis