Hilton Foods, a leading international multi-protein producer, has published an update on its Sustainable Protein Plan.
First launched a year ago, the new strategy brought together existing ambitious targets under three pillars: People, Planet and Product. These areas, embedded in the business, are a core part of Hilton Foods‘ overall growth strategy, providing customers and ultimately consumers with sustainable affordable proteins.
Over the past year Hilton Foods has made significant progress in the Sustainable Protein Plan. This includes bringing forward plans to submit even more ambitious targets to the SBTI this August. These will be consistent with achieving 1.5°C and see the business commit to reach net zero well before the current 2050 target.
This update comes alongside strong progress made across all three pillars of the strategy including:
People
- Achieved 33% of women in leadership across Hilton Foods, supported by growth of Women’s Network.
- Launched global supplier social responsibility code of conduct.
Planet
- Reduced Scope 3 emissions by 14%, on track to meet Science Based Targets.
- Published UK progress against global Commitment to Sourcing Deforestation and Conversion Free Soy.
Product
- Launched 60 new vegetarian and vegan products, including vegan bacon (contributing to a +48% sales growth in the category).
- Achieved an average 70% recycled content across all plastic packaging.
To demonstrate the importance of the plan to the business, and to ensure leadership are held accountable for the progress of the Sustainable Protein Plan, specific ESG targets are now built into Hilton Foods’ Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP). Last year was the first time the LTIP contained ESG targets and this has continued with the award made this year which includes, updated, stretching targets for Scope 1 and 2 energy efficiency.
Lorna Schneider, Group Chief Quality and Sustainability Officer of Hilton Foods commented: “Our Sustainable Protein Plan is closely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and a core part of our business strategy. Over the past year we have made fantastic progress in all three pillars and we’ve also been able to collaborate with our customers and suppliers, to ensure we are driving sustainability for our sector.
“Looking ahead, although we have our set targets, we want to keep raising the bar. That is why we are bringing forward our plans to submit even more ambitious targets to the Science Based Targets initiative.”
The Sustainable Protein Plan has also gained independent recognition, securing strong rating reviews. Hilton Foods was awarded a score of A- in this year’s climate assessment by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), achieving recognition as a Supplier Engagement Leader.
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