Hershey has revealed a raft of sustainability commitments in a move to “significantly reduce” its impact the planet.
The confectionery company has joined the Science Based Targets initiative, a global effort that champions the latest in climate science to set science-based emissions targets to help companies transition to a low-carbon economy.
Hershey said it is now begun the two-year process of developing science-based targets that encompass the company’s total environmental footprint.
As part of its commitments, the firm has established a new environmental policy and partnered with external stakeholders to inform its strategy.
Hershey has also joined the United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary initiative that encourages businesses from around the world to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies and to report on their implementation.
Michele Buck, Hershey CEO, said: “Hershey has long demonstrated its belief that business has a responsibility to help protect our communities and the planet we all share. Together, these strategic environmental policies and initiatives will further strengthen how Hershey operates, creating a positive social impact from farm to finished product.”
The announcements come as Hershey joins forces with cocoa supplier Ecom, Ghana’s Nature Conservation Research Centre, the Ghana Forestry Commission and the Ghana Cocoa Board to launch an initiative to protect the forest surrounding the Kakum National Park in the south of Ghana.
The programme is part of the Hershey’s commitment as a member of the Cocoa Forest Initiative and supports its $500 million Cocoa For Good sustainability strategy which was announced last year.
“Protecting forests and preserving the natural resources of the cocoa-growing areas here in West Africa is good for society and the bottom line,” said Jeff King, Hershey senior director of global sustainability and social impact.
“Our commitment to forest protection aligns perfectly with our sourcing partners in the region and we know that by combining resources we will have greater impact on these communities and surrounding landscapes.”
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