Despite the challenges and changes that come with COVID-19, US retailer Kroger has declared its commitment to making social and environmental changes across its stores and supply chain, with a promise to move to more sustainable packaging.
Kroger is the largest supermarket chain in the United States and the second-largest retailer after Walmart.
With the demand for sustainable food packaging growing across North America, it only makes sense that the supermarket giant would take the demand seriously and pledge their commitment to more sustainable packaging. They made the announcements of their pledge in their new Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report.
“Our annual ESG report underpins Kroger’s vision to serve America through food inspiration and uplift,” Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen said in a statement. “We are committed to continuing to integrate ESG metrics into our business strategy, driving shared value for our associates, customers, communities and company. We’re pleased to share Kroger’s latest performance on key topics, including our 2020 sustainability goals and Zero Hunger | Zero Waste metrics. We also look to what lies ahead, and we’re proud to announce the first of several new priorities and commitments that will help affirm Kroger’s sustainability leadership through the next decade and beyond.”
Some of its commitments in the report include using more sustainable packaging across their private label packaging by 2030 and trying to use 100% recyclable, compostable or reusable packaging across its store brands within 10 years.
These announcements are part of Kroger’s Zero Hunger Zero Waste campaign which is set to continue until 2025. To draw in customers to this sustainability commitment, Kroger has already implemented their recycling program for Simple Truth products in partnership with Terracycle.
The grocery chain has also reduced it’s food waste going to the landfill by 5% in the last year and reduced its food waste production by 4% according to the sustainability report.
Latest research from Innova Market Insights has found that communicating sustainability is a key trend in the food and beverage industry. Consumer interest in sustainability is not slowing down and the push for companies to reduce their food packaging waste is higher than ever.
Kroger has certainly taken this push from consumers seriously and is just beginning to communicate its dedication to this positive change.
