ADM announces sustainability scheme

ADM’s newest commitment would see the firm reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% and its energy intensity by 15% by 2035.

Chairman and chief executive Juan Luciano said the plans balanced the need to continue the world’s food supply, while simultaneously acting as long-term stewards of the planet’s health.

“We know that the health of our natural resources are critical to our future. Consumers around the world know it as well, and they are making it clear that they expect their food and drink to come from sustainable ingredients, produced by companies that share their values,” ​said Luciano.

‘Ambitious goals’​

“We care deeply about our partners, our customers, our employees, our shareholders, and the planet, and that is why we are setting these ambitious emissions and energy goals for ourselves. Our future will be stronger for these goals.”​

Following the firm’s original ’15x20 sustainability plan laid out in 2011, ADM’s latest commitment will see the manufacturer work toward four new goals – purchasing renewable electricity, increasing the use of biomass fuels, as well as transportation fleet changes and equipment changes in some locations.

“Our new goals are ambitious yet achievable,” ​Luciano added. “The greenhouse gas emissions we’ll save will be the equivalent of those from charging every single smartphone on the planet 250 times. ​

“This is going to have a real impact, and is a key way in which we’re going to continue to give our customers an edge in meeting the market challenges of today and tomorrow.”​

Sustainability in the spotlight ​

The environment and sustainability were key topics at this year’s Business Leaders’ Forum, hosted by Food Manufacture, ​a welcome surprise for the founder of Alara Wholefoods.

In this exclusive video filmed at the event in February,​​ founding director Alex Smith said the day’s discussions had filled him with hope that the industry was getting on-board with issues surrounding climate change and sustainability – and taking the matter seriously.

Meanwhile, a new farmer-led group is set to examine how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions​​ within the Scottish beef suckler herd.

The group, co-chaired by former National Farmers’ Union Scotland president Jim Walker, will consider proposals for alternative ways to support the suckler sector, mitigate its environmental impact and identify practical ways in which it can reduce its emissions.