The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, the United Kingdom, has heightened awareness of the need for intervention in global climate issues.

As a multinational manufacturer, Kemin understands the seriousness of reducing the global carbon footprint and safeguarding natural resources for future generations, the company said. It launched its internal corporate sustainability programme prior to the pandemic and believes that this pledge is the necessary step forward to create true change and unite others to engage in the effort.

"We know that we must take action now to make positive changes that impact the future of our planet," said Dr. Chris Nelson, president and chief executive officer of Kemin Industries. "Kemin believes in the power of science and we are taking bold action based on the overwhelming scientific consensus on the consequences of environmental pollution and pollutants originating from humans, resulting in climate change. While more research will be conducted and questions will be explored, the time to act is now."

As an essential business and provider of ingredients for humans, animals, pets and plants, Kemin continues to grow in scale with new facilities around the world. Even with this growth, the company remains focused on decreasing its overall carbon footprint.

Along with installing large-scale solar panel arrays at its global headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, the United States, its facilities in China and, next year, at its regional headquarters in Brazil and Belgium, Kemin has been actively collecting data on its energy usage, CO2 emissions and water usage from its global manufacturing facilities. This data will aid its corporate strategic plan to create milestones for 2025, 2030 and 2040 to help maintain its momentum toward the 2050 net zero goal.

"This (sustainability) commitment is for our employees, our customers, our communities – and for all future generations. Companies like Kemin have the ability to take on this critical journey and unite others to join the global efforts against climate change," said Nelson. "We must all do our part today to create a better tomorrow."