Building a sustainable future in the food industry A
s food manufacturers like Danone have had to implement measures to ensure that Canadians continue to have access to safe food during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pascal Lachance, Senior Manager, Sustainable Development, Danone Canada shares how they are paving the way for sustainable business growth while strengthening the resilience of our global food chain. Can you define sustainability from the point of view of a major company producing dairy and plant-based yogurts & beverages? At Danone, we believe that the health of people and the health of the planet are interconnected. As a B Corp certified company, we have made a bold commitment to uphold the highest standards of social, environmental and economic performance. This means taking into consideration the interests of all stakeholders in every decision we make. How are your sustainability goals affecting your business model? Our sustainability goals are part of our business model. They influence the way we source our ingredients, package our products, how we position them and which certifications we strive for that will enable us to ensure sustainable practices. Our brands take part in our actions to protect and nourish both the health of people and of that of the planet and, more and more, they are taking a stand. For example: • Silk® supports ALUS Canada’s New Acre ProjectTM to advance our ongoing commitment to promote sustainable local practices. • SToKTM has teamed up with Movember to help break down the stigma around men’s mental health. • Light & FreeTM, a brand that values individuality, inclusivity and diversity, partnered with a local artist to design unique packaging and art. Why are you committed to regenerative agriculture? What we eat and drink impacts our health, the environment and our communities. That is why we partner with organisations who value sustainable agriculture and farming. We do so to share and explore new ways of working, and to help develop agricultural models that can regenerate
the planet while feeding a global population that is set to surpass 9 billion people by 2050. For example, in 2018 we launched a collaborative project with Nutrinor Cooperative to source fresh, traceable Canadian milk and promote regenerative agriculture. Earlier this year Silk® announced a significant investment in ALUS Canada’s New AcreTM Project to help support the management and restoration of 90 acres of farmland in seven communities across Canada. For the dairy industry, a commonly understood definition of sustainability is “good for people, the planet and community”. How does Danone address those 3 pillars? In line with our frame of action of “One Planet. One Health”, we believe in a food ecosystem that works in harmony with people, communities and the environment. As the largest consumer-facing Certified B Corporation in Canada, we use our business as a force for good. This commitment pushes us to help improve the way food is grown, produced, marketed, distributed and sold: we co-create solutions with our employees and others by leveraging their expertise; we also collaborate and exchange best practices with our business partners — from food producers to retail stores to our social and environmental partners. In concrete terms, what is Danone Canada doing to achieve more sustainable ways of working here in Canada? Our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible is brought to life every day by our dedicated employees and partners. As a founding member of the Circular Plastics Taskforce in Canada and a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on a global scale, we are committed to making 100% of our packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. As a founding partner of Breakfast Club of Canada, we help meet the needs of children facing food insecurity. Our donations and employee volunteering help ensure that kids in our communities have access to nutritious food. And, our leading approach to human resources has awarded us of a spot on Canada’s Top 100 Employers list two years in a row. We value the contribution of our employees in helping us make a positive impact on the lives of Canadians.
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE IN CANADIAN GROCER–DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021