Four priorities shape Campbell Soup Co.’s corporate social responsibility strategy. By 2020, the company aims to reduce the environmental footprint of its product portfolio by half, measurably improve the health of youth in Campbell’s hometown communities, provide consumers with nutrition and wellness choices, and drive employee engagement through social responsibility and sustainability.
In its 2014 “What’s in a Name” report, Campbell highlighted its progress toward advancing these goals.
In 2013, the company reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 4.4%, or more than 20,800 tonnes, cut water consumption by 2.6% per tonne of food produced, and achieved a waste recycling rate of 83.2% worldwide. Through renewable energy projects and packaging streamlining efforts, Campbell has reduced a cumulative total of more than 65 million lbs in its product portfolio over the past five years.
On the health and wellness front, Campbell continued its efforts to reduce childhood obesity and hunger through a $10 million, 10-year initiative that promotes nutrition and fitness within the community of Camden, where the company’s headquarters are located. The recent acquisitions of Bolthouse Farms and Plum Organics have improved the health profile of Campbell’s portfolio, which now offers among its U.S. products 430 items that are low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol; more than 300 items with fewer than 100 calories per serving; and more than 150 items that provide at least a half-cup serving of vegetables and/or fruit.
Through charitable giving, the company donated more than $52 million in food and money to causes within the communities where it operates.
“As a leader in the food and beverage industry, Campbell is demonstrating our steadfast commitment to making good, honest, authentic food for the people who live, work and eat in our communities,” said Denise Morrison, president and chief executive officer. “We have worked hard to earn the loyalty and trust of consumers throughout our 145-year history and are committed to a strategy that integrates C.S.R. and sustainability across our business in order to build shareholder value.”
In recognition of Campbell’s sustainability efforts, the company was named this year to the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list by Corporate Knights, the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens, the Civic 50, the Vigeo U.S. 50 and Vigeo World 120 Indices, and the Human Rights Campaign 2014 Corporate Equality Index.
