A new report entitled Environmental Success Stories in the Consumer Packaged Goods Industry, released by the Grocery Manufacturers Association and compiled and researched by PricewaterhouseCoopers, highlights progress and achievements by food, beverage and other CPG companies in reducing their environmental footprints and promoting sustainable business practices. The report looks at the areas of sustainability in the table listed below and provides actual case study examples of successful operations.

Environmental sustainability criteria considered
Air Energy efficiency
Carbon reduction
Renewables
Waste Reduction
Reuse and recycling
Disposal
Water Recycling
Conservation
Stakeholder engagement

“Food, beverage and CPG products companies have a longstanding commitment to improving the lives of consumers, and that includes environmental stewardship,” says Pamela Bailey, GMA president and CEO. “This report shows not only the considerable progress GMA members are making towards greener facilities, supply chains and products, but also the innovation and creativity that has made this progress possible.”

Each of the stories selected for the report demonstrates some or all of the following:

► Innovation in system or product design

► A quantifiable return on investment

► Engagement or collaboration with external stakeholders

►Reduction or improvement in efficiency of environmental factors. 

The report highlights a diverse cross-section of initiatives from a diverse slate of manufacturers. The success stories include companies that are converting inedible food waste to energy, reclaiming water from the manufacturing process and cutting emissions with underground, refrigerated limestone storage facilities.

Download the report here.