Pilgrim’s Pride has unveiled a sustainability strategy that will form the framework of its drive to become a net-zero business by 2030.
The strategy, known as ‘Pilgrim’s UK 2030’ will aim to build upon the “industry-leading sustainability position” of the company formerly known as Tulip.
It will focus on “five sustainability pillars” to achieve its net-zero goal, covering farming, food production, products, packaging and business & community.
The company, the UK’s largest integrated pig producer and processor, stated it now has a ‘unique opportunity to share its leading sustainable farming credentials and resilient local practices on a global platform’, with its’ head of sustainability Matt Dight commenting:
“More than ever, people are thinking about the footprint of the food they eat. Our vision is built upon a locally resilient, higher-welfare supply chain. Our manufacturing targets – focusing on areas such as human rights, biodiversity, energy, water and waste – are aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, enabling us to future-proof the business.
In the last 12 months, we have seen a significant reduction in our environmental footprint across our own sites, alongside improved biodiversity on our farms and reduced water and energy usage. We are the best performing in the industry in terms of food waste, with just 0.1% waste, and are working towards a circular ‘no waste’ economy, whilst 100% of the electricity we use across our manufacturing operations is purchased from the grid as renewable.”
