GMA Report Shows Industry Progress on Environmental Sustainability

12 Aug 2014 --- The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has released a report that highlights progress and achievements by food, beverage and consumer products companies as they work to reduce their environmental footprints and implement innovative sustainable business practices.

Titled Environmental Success Stories in the Consumer Packaged Goods Industry, the report was compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers and features industry success stories in the categories of air, water and waste management. This is the second edition of the report; the first edition was released in 2012.

“This report demonstrates the strong and longstanding commitment GMA member companies have to reducing their environmental footprint and to creating value for consumers and communities. Their sustainability stories represent the best of the CPG industry – leadership, pioneering collaborations, and bold innovation,” said Pamela G Bailey, GMA president and CEO.

The report highlights a diverse cross-section of initiatives from an equally diverse slate of manufacturers. The cases featured were selected because they met some or all of the following criteria: use of innovative technology, process or approach; yielded a quantifiable return on investment; documented a reduction in impact or improvement in efficiency; engagement with stakeholders. 

Among the success stories selected include companies that have introduced successful products that reduce consumer energy consumption and packaging waste; redesigned packaging to reduce overall inputs; launched innovative waste recycling programs; and implemented wastewater management programs that led to cleaner groundwater.

“Few sectors can match the food, beverage and consumer products industry’s record on environmental leadership,” continued Bailey. 

“The considerable achievements of GMA members would be enough to satisfy many other companies, but their culture of continuous improvement drives them to identify new ways to reduce their footprint and preserve our natural environment for future generations.