Maple Leaf Foods becomes First Major Food Company in the World to be Carbon Neutral
Company also announces it has adopted Science Based Targets to achieve aggressive emissions reductions
MISSISSAUGA, ON, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 - (TSX: MFI) – Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (“Maple Leaf” or “the Company”) today announced a massive step forward on its sustainability journey, as it becomes the first major food company in the world to be carbon neutral. The Company’s announcement acknowledges the impact of the global food system on the environment and the urgent need for transformative change to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to zero.
As a leading North American producer of meat and plant proteins, Maple Leaf’s path to carbon neutrality is predicated on aggressively reducing emissions by meeting the gold standard of widely respected Science Based Targets, which align global greenhouse gas emission reductions with the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. In doing so, the Company becomes one of just three animal protein companies in the world to set Science Based Targets, approved by the international Science Based Target Initiative.
“There is simply no more time to waste. The devastating impact of climate change on our planet must be confronted head-on by business leaders with decisive and immediate action,” said Michael McCain, Maple Leaf Foods President and CEO. “The global food system must change dramatically if we are to sustainably feed the world’s growing population. We recognize that producing nutrient-dense foods takes vital planetary resources, and we are staking our future on being carbon neutral today, and every day going forward.”
Maple Leaf has made significant progress towards its goal to reduce its environmental footprint by 50% by 2025 - an aggressive environmental target in the industry. Since 2015, the Company has reduced over 86 million kilowatt hours of electricity – equal to 12,912 passenger vehicles driven for one year -- and over 4.3 million m3 of natural gas, which equals annual energy usage for 1,000 homes. Through its water conservation efforts, Maple Leaf has reduced water usage by over 1.2 billion liters. By committing to setting Science Based Targets, Maple Leaf will work even more aggressively to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and more broadly within its supply chain.
As part of becoming carbon neutral, the Company is also investing in credible and independently verified, high-impact environmental projects throughout Canada and the United States to address its remaining carbon footprint, bringing it to zero. These projects support wind energy, recovering methane gas from landfills, composting and biomass programs to reduce methane emissions, and forest protection and re-forestry to conserve species and biodiversity.
“Today’s actions are not just about being socially responsible; they are about survival,” said McCain. “Consumers rightfully expect business and political leaders to solve these problems and address the profound consequences of our climate crisis. Our announcement demonstrates that carbon neutrality and Science Based Targets for emissions reduction are both achievable – and urgent. We hope our actions inspire food companies and businesses broadly to join us in the critical fight against climate change.”
Today’s announcement is a milestone in Maple Leaf Foods’ vision to be the most sustainable protein company in the world. For more information, visit mapleleaffoods.com/carbonstrategy.
Additional Quotes:
“Addressing greenhouse gas emissions is a top priority for WWF-Canada. We encourage communities, industries and government to join us in reducing our carbon footprint, to benefit wildlife and address the climate crisis,” said Megan Leslie, President and CEO, WWF-Canada. “Maple Leaf Foods’ effort to set Science Based Targets and become carbon neutral shows leadership in sustainability and a commitment to raising the standards for all business in Canada.”
“We must accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and a sustainable food system,” said Diane Holdorf Managing Director, Food & Nature Program at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). “This level of leadership by Maple Leaf Foods is extremely important. WBCSD highly values their contributions to our Food Reform for Sustainability and Health (FReSH) project - one of WBCSD’s key business-led solutions to drive the transformation of the global food system.”
“Maple Leaf Foods is showing tremendous sustainability leadership,” said John Powers, VP of Strategic Renewables for Schneider Electric, which advised on the selection of environmental projects. “They are making a substantial commitment, and in doing so, creating a path for others in the industry to create and act on bold environmental goals.”
Related Information
Watch CEO Michael McCain's announcement
Associated Links
Maple Leaf Foods
Maple Leaf Foods/CarbonStrategy
Science Based Targets
WWF
WBCSD
Schneider Electric
About Maple Leaf Foods
Maple Leaf Foods is a producer of food products under leading brands including Maple Leaf®, Maple Leaf Prime®, Maple Leaf Natural Selections®, Schneiders®, Schneiders® Country Naturals®, Mina®, Greenfield Natural Meat Co.®, Lightlife®, Field Roast Grain Meat Co.TM and Swift®. Maple Leaf employs approximately 12,500 people and does business in Canada, the U.S. and Asia. The Company is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario and its shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MFI).
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For further information:
Maple Leaf Foods media hotline 1-888-995-5030; [email protected].
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains forward-looking statements based on the Company's current expectations and assumptions relating to its environmental performance, its sustainability and emission reduction efforts, as well as the effectiveness of these efforts and initiatives. As these forward-looking statements depend upon future events, actual outcomes may differ materially depending on factors such as: operating performance, the results of sustainability and emission reduction initiatives, the performance of third parties from whom off-sets are purchased and the third party certification processes for off-sets . These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections but there can be no assurance that the results or developments anticipated the Company will be realized. For more information refer to the Company's Annual Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018, its most Annual Information Form (both available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com) and its most recent Sustainability Report available at www.mapleleaffoods.com.
