Special Edition: Sustainability Trends
In today’s competitive landscape, sustainability isn’t just about doing the right thing. It’s about building resilient, future-focused operations that deliver value to customers, communities, and the planet. At Schreiber Foods, we’ve embraced this reality with a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship that goes far beyond compliance or corporate messaging.
Part of our “Doing Good Through Food” philosophy includes doing good for our planet. But what sets us apart isn’t just our commitment to sustainability. It’s the measurable, science-based approach we’re taking to create meaningful change across our global operations.
Setting the Standard with Science-Based Targets
When we talk about sustainability commitments, we mean business. That’s why we’ve joined some of the world’s biggest companies in aligning our efforts with climate science through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Our targets aren’t just wishful thinking. They’re grounded in the latest climate research and are designed to make a real impact.
Our Climate Commitments
- 27% reduction in absolute Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (from 2017 baseline)
- 30% reduction in Scope 3 Purchased Goods & Services emissions per metric ton of production by 2030
- Net zero objective by 2050, with reset climate goals established in 2024
These targets cover our entire footprint, from the energy we use in our facilities to the raw materials we source from suppliers around the world. By taking this comprehensive approach, we can continue providing food to people globally while preserving precious resources and promoting planetary health.
Through our recent materiality assessment, we’ve identified three global priorities that will drive our sustainability efforts: energy reduction, sustainable packaging, and resource recovery. These focus areas allow us to concentrate our resources where they can make the biggest impact.
Harnessing Renewable Energy Across the Globe
One of the most exciting aspects of our sustainability journey is how we’re leveraging renewable energy solutions tailored to each region’s unique opportunities and resources.
Mexico Leading by Example
Our Silao, Mexico facility is a showcase for what’s possible when sustainability meets innovation. Solar panels in the parking lot are delivering the equivalent environmental benefit of planting 17,503 trees over the next 25 years. But that’s just the beginning. Since October 2020, the facility has been sourcing 100% carbon-free energy from solar and wind generation plants through partnership with the country’s largest private energy producer.
The sustainability initiatives at Silao extend beyond energy. The facility is saving approximately 1 million liters of water annually through waterless urinals. That’s enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in just two years.
India’s Dual Approach
Our Baramati plant in India showcases how solar technology can be adapted to local conditions. With excellent solar radiation available most of the year, the facility’s rooftop and ground-mounted solar power generation system fulfills about 25% of the plant’s overall power consumption, significantly reducing reliance on grid electricity.
In a community initiative, we’ve installed 250 mini biogas units at small family farms throughout the region. These units convert cow dung into clean, energy-efficient cooking fuel while reducing methane emissions in manure by 30%.
U.S. and European Innovation
Our Shippensburg, Pennsylvania plant is powered by 100% carbon-free energy thanks to our partnership with Energy Harbor. Meanwhile, in Spain, our Talavera de la Reina facility has installed solar systems that offset 25% of their emissions—equivalent to planting more than 40,000 trees per year.
Spain also demonstrates innovation in logistics sustainability. By implementing double semi-truck loads in Noblejas, we’ve reduced carbon dioxide emissions by up to 30% compared to single trailer loads.
Turning Waste into Opportunity
Our approach to waste management goes far beyond traditional recycling programs. We’re reimagining how manufacturing byproducts can become valuable resources, both within our operations and in the broader community.
Near-Zero Waste Achievement
Our Rio Azul, Brazil facility has reduced waste sent to landfills from 65% to just 2.4% as of April 2023 through revamped collection systems and community recycling programs.
Innovative De-packaging Solutions
In Spain, our Noblejas and Talavera de la Reina facilities use de-packaging equipment that separates dairy products from plastic packaging. Packaging is recycled, while the dairy is sent to local pig farmers as animal feed.
Company-wide Zero Waste Goals
We’re committed to achieving zero waste to landfills globally by 2030, diverting 93% of waste today. We’re also working to cut food waste in half by 2030 through the 10x20x30 initiative with global retailers and suppliers.
Revolutionary Packaging Innovation
Sustainable packaging represents one of our biggest opportunities to reduce environmental impact while maintaining product quality and safety.
Comprehensive Packaging Commitments
By 2030, all non-recycled packaging will be replaced with recycled, renewable, or certified products. Spain is already reducing 690 tons of polystyrene annually, cutting CO2 emissions by 36 tons per year.
Strategic Implementation
As Sales Director-Retail Ian McClaire explains: “We’re focusing on categories that can make a more immediate impact and are least disruptive to our manufacturing network. We’re working with retail customers, whose end consumers are ultimately accountable for the packages’ end of life. Our goal is to make it simple and intuitive so it’s easily adopted by consumers, and we’re doing it in a way that’s the least cost intrusive.”
Water and Resource Management Excellence
Comprehensive Water Strategies
Beyond Mexico’s water savings, we’re implementing wastewater management strategies to minimize environmental impact. Our Richland Center Renewable Energy wastewater facility generates enough electricity to power 830 homes annually.
Sustainable Sourcing and Supply Chain Leadership
Responsible Raw Material Sourcing
Since 2016, we’ve sourced palm oil through the RSPO mass balance program. All U.S. dairy is procured from FARM Animal Care–certified farms, with international operations meeting regional standards.
Collaborative Climate Action
We’re part of a USDA-funded RCPP project to cut 37,500 tons of CO2e via improved manure and feed management, using $4.7 million in combined funding.
Community Engagement and Environmental Education
Global Tree Planting Initiatives
In Castelo Branco, Portugal, our team planted 1,000 trees, while in Silao, Mexico, employees planted trees at a local school and taught students about reforestation.
The Business Case for Sustainability
Customer Alignment
As Ian McClaire notes: “We’re seen as a leader not only in the categories we service, but also in the communities we serve. Our customers expect us to continue to bring innovation and be an agent of change in the business we supply. Our core values, culture and ESG goals align with many of our customers.”
Operational Excellence
Many initiatives deliver immediate benefits—energy efficiency lowers costs and emissions, waste reduction creates revenue streams, and water conservation saves utilities while reducing environmental impact.
Looking Forward: Our Sustainability Vision
Sustainability Program Manager Josh Luth explains: “We recognize that sustainable practices are not an option, but a necessity for long-term success and positive impact. We’re proud to transparently communicate our progress and inspire others to join us on this journey toward a more sustainable future.”
2030 and Beyond
Our 2030 goals are milestones toward 2050 net zero. Focus areas—energy reduction, sustainable packaging, and resource recovery—will guide investments, while we explore emerging innovations to accelerate progress.
Partnership Opportunities
Supplier Collaboration
We’re seeking partners who can help achieve Scope 3 reduction goals, from sustainable raw materials to improved transportation and packaging solutions.
Customer Innovation
Our initiatives align with customers’ sustainability goals, helping them meet objectives while maintaining quality and consistency.
Industry Leadership
As a leader in sustainable food manufacturing, we share knowledge and collaborate with industry peers to address climate and resource challenges together.
Measuring Success, Driving Progress
Every efficiency gain and renewable project brings us closer to a truly sustainable food system.
Ready to explore how Schreiber Foods’ dairy products align with your sustainability objectives? Contact us to learn more about how our initiatives can create value for your operations.