Claiming to be the first sugar company to launch Group-wide commitments to improve sustainability, AB Sugar has committed to ensure 100% of plastic packaging throughout its supply chain is reusable, recyclable, biodegradable or compostable by 2030. Over the same period, the company will work with its 25,000 partner growers to reduce end-to-end water and CO2 footprints by 30%.
The 2030 targets are part of AB Sugar’s broader ‘Global Mind, Local Champions’ sustainability framework, which is committed to consuming resources responsibly, building rural economies and creating thriving and healthy communities.
Dr Mark Carr, Group Chief Executive of AB Sugar, commented: “Our ambitious 2030 commitments are an industry first and the next step in our journey to becoming the world’s leading sustainable sugar business. Working across all 10 operational markets our ‘Global Mind, Local Champions’ sustainability framework will help us lessen our footprint and to grow a sustainable future for those around us.”
As part of the framework, and in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), AB Sugar has committed to:
· Build vibrant, diverse value chains that increase the prosperity of our communities. The company is already working in areas of modernising outdated ways of working, sharing best practice and using technology and innovation to create a more modern sugar industry
· Build thriving and healthy communities. To do this, we are committed to providing 25 million people worldwide with science-based information on sugar, the diet and health by 2030
· Consume resources responsibly through a 30% reduction in CO2 and ensuring responsible stewardship of water, by reducing 30% of end-to-end water use, by 2030
· AB Sugar operates a circular economy model where outputs from the sugar making process are turned into co-products, including bioethanol and animal feed
As part of the commitments, AB Sugar has launched its inaugural ‘Global Mind, Local Champions’ review. The report details progress in delivering the 2030 ambition made across each of AB Sugar’s 10 operating markets.
The AB Sugar Group is made up of a head office in the UK, plus six operating businesses in 10 countries: AB Sugar China, Azucarera (Spain), British Sugar (United Kingdom), Germains SeedTechnology (Europe/USA), Illovo Sugar Group (Southern Africa) and Vivergo Fuels (United Kingdom).
For further information on AB Sugar, visit www.absugar.com or follow @ABSugarplc