H.J. Heinz Sets Sustainable Goals

Sustainability is in the DNA of H. J. Heinz Company. Company founder, H.J. Heinz, demonstrated commitment to quality and purity 140 years ago by packaging first product, horseradish, in clear glass. Today, sustainability is a board-level priority at Heinz, with a designated board Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee.

"Heinz's philosophy on sustainability is to implement processes that make improvements in each functional area of our business," says Brian Shuttleworth, director of operational risk management and sustainability, Heinz World Headquarters. "Our approach is holistic so that the combined efforts of all enable us to be comprehensive and have the greatest impact on furthering sustainability within the Heinz culture."

Strategies are in place at Heinz to cover all areas of sustainability. Efforts encompass products, starting with a hybrid tomato seed program, organic, and health and wellness offerings. Packaging programs address right sizing and recyclability content to reduce the amount of carbon utilized. Internal manufacturing programs are based on six sigma principles that ensure products are manufactured in a highly efficient manner. And green IT initiatives reduce paper, ink and energy used by printers, copiers and computers.


The Next Frontier

In May 2008, Heinz announced a milestone company goal as part of its sustainability vision: to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2015. "We have established this global goal to improve our carbon footprint in all areas of our supply chain," says Shuttleworth.

   Heinz is focusing on eight specific areas to achieve this overall goal:

• Energy consumption: 20 percent reduction through improved operational efficiency
• Packaging: 15 percent reduction by the introduction of alternative packaging materials and reduction of existing packaging use
• Transportation: 10 percent reduction through improved efficiency of distribution network
• Renewable energy: 15 percent to come from sources like solar, biomass and bio-gas
• Agriculture: 15 percent reduction of both carbon footprint and water usage, improvement of yields by 5 percent by way of hybrid tomato seeds that require less water, fertilizer, pesticides and fuel to harvest
• Water: 20 percent reduction through reuse and improved sanitation techniques
• Solid waste: 20 percent reduction through increased recycling and reuse of waste
• Employees: Increase engagement via a voluntary personal sustainability campaign

Initiatives are underway to achieve these targets, like using potato peels to generate energy and save water; conserving fuel globally; expanding growing regions for "green" tomatoes; and reducing waste through recycling. 

 "There are no secrets or blueprints for becoming green," says Shuttleworth. "All consumer goods companies will have different approaches to becoming more green. Heinz feels it has the right approach."