Hershey Reaches Sustainability Goals Two Years Ahead Of Schedule
By Karla Paris
Reductions in carbon footprints may lead to a boost in social responsibility credentials
Hershey is seeing the benefits of racing to beat three of its zero-waste-to-landfill and water consumption goals it set back in 2012. On March 5, Hershey announced that it surpassed its water consumption targets three years early and its zero-waste-to-landfill and recycling goals two years sooner than expected.
With any zero-waste-to-landfill and water consumption initiative, the most vital portion is buy-in. The goal to launch a program like this is to keep the enthusiasm at the onset of the initiative going even when employees, manufacturers, suppliers, and others begin to face the reality of cost and time pressures during the course of business. Hershey was able to do just that. The company was able to keep enthusiasm alive throughout its entire supply chain with various business initiatives and a commitment to being environmental stewards.
Hershey’s water reduction goals were surpassed at least in part because of the company’s commitment to “Project Next Century,” which was established in June 2010 and included capital investments of $200 to $225 million in plant expansions and approximately $50 to $75 million in distribution and administrative facilities. As of March 5, Hershey reduced its water consumption per pound of product by more than 58 percent, far exceeding its 2015 goal of 10 percent.
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Hershey’s zero-waste-to-landfill goals were surpassed by the company’s very active commitment to add to its six manufacturing plants already achieving zero-waste-to-landfill status. These manufacturing plants alone achieved a recycling rate of 86.6 percent, beating its 2015 goal of 85 percent. Hershey also notes that its six zero-waste-to-landfill manufacturing plants represent 97 percent of Hershey’s U.S. production, 75 percent of all North American production, and 67 percent of production globally. Five more facilities achieved zero-waste-to-landfill status between January and February of this year. In addition to a reduction in waste disposal costs, zero-waste policies are helping Hershey generate more revenue, reduce its carbon footprint, and improve its corporate social responsibility credentials.