Smithfield Foods to adopt GHG goal

Smithfield Foods has become the first protein firm to announce a greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal throughout its entire supply chain, from feed grain to packaged bacon.

The company further said that they intend to reduce GHG emissions by 25% by 2025.

When the company achieves this goal, it would mean that it has successfully reduced emissions by more than four million metric tons, equivalent to removing 900,000 cars from the road.

For achieving this goal, Smithfield has joined hands with Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), an international non-profit organisation.

Smithfield Foods president and chief executive officer Kenneth Sullivan said: “While we will have unique challenges meeting this goal as the world's largest pork processor and hog producer, our size and scale also means that, if successful, we can make a significant, positive impact. Our mission is to produce 'Good food. Responsibly.'

“This announcement is yet another acknowledgement of our commitment to doing just that.”

Smithfield has also collaborated with the University of Minnesota's NorthStar Institute for Sustainable Enterprise to estimate its GHG footprint, as well as for creating a robust model that can assist other protein companies in analysing their own footprints.

EDF president Fred Krupp said: “There is much work ahead for Smithfield to reach its goal. Success will require collaboration with farmers and others in the agricultural industry. We encourage companies to follow Smithfield's leadership to make ambitious commitments to improve air and water quality.

“It's important that the private sector play a role in protecting our natural resources.”

Smithfield will focus on improving energy efficiency through refrigeration, boiler and other equipment upgrades at its processing facilities.

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Image: Smithfield Foods becomes first food company to adopt GHG goal. Photo: courtesy of Smithfield Foods.