CANADA – Lactalis Canada, a global leader in the dairy industry, has released its 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, reporting substantial progress towards its commitment to sustainability and responsible corporate practices.
According to Mark Taylor, the President & CEO of Lactalis Canada, the progress came as a result of the company’s collaborative efforts with stakeholders to achieve tangible results in key areas.
“Our 2023 report highlights the tangible gains we have made in improving our performance towards our ESG goals,” he said.
“As we move forward, we are keen to work collaboratively and proactively with our customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, industry and community partners on important shared ESG objectives.”
The report highlighted noteworthy accomplishments that included the launch of a mentorship program designed to promote inclusivity and provide employees with opportunities for professional growth.
Additionally, Lactalis Canada received recognition for its commitment to employee welfare, winning the 2023 Canadian Grocer Impact award in the Supporting Employees category.
“This accolade reflects the company’s dedication to training, mental health support, and the enhancement of its Total Rewards program.”
The report also highlighted the company’s significant investments in charitable endeavours across the country, including the donation of nearly one million litres/kilograms of high-quality milk and dairy products to charitable organizations.
Furthermore, the company has made strides in improving safety performance, achieving a notable 23% decrease in incidents over the past two years.
In terms of regulatory compliance, Lactalis Canada demonstrated its commitment to food safety by ensuring that all Canadian sites obtained licenses under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, achieving 100% compliance in this regard.
Beyond regulatory compliance, the report showed that Lactalis Canada made substantial advancements in various areas, including product innovation and environmental sustainability.
Initiatives such as the reduction of sugar content in milkshakes by 25% and the significant increase in sales of organic dairy products reflected the company’s dedication to meeting consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable options.
“Furthermore, Lactalis Canada has strengthened its commitment to responsible sourcing practices, as evidenced by the Blue Cow logo on approximately 800 products, indicating their use of 100% high-quality, nutritious Canadian milk that meets rigorous standards for safety, quality, and animal welfare.”
On the environmental front, Lactalis Canada has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing packaging sustainability.
In addition, the company transitioned a substantial portion of its freight transport to rail, resulting in a significant reduction in CO2e emissions.
It also has reduced emissions intensity by 11.2% since 2019 through the implementation of various efficiency measures and the upgrade of industrial equipment.
Packaging sustainability has also been a focus, with Lactalis Canada achieving an impressive 84% recyclability rate for its packaging materials.
Through various initiatives aimed at reducing cardboard and plastic usage, as well as minimizing landfill waste, the company has demonstrated its commitment to minimizing its environmental impact.
Mark Taylor reiterated Lactalis Canada’s dedication to continuous improvement and responsible growth.
“By prioritizing sustainability and collaboration across its operations, Lactalis Canada aims to enrich the lives of Canadians while delivering long-term value to all stakeholders.”
Subscribe to our food and agriculture industry email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE
