by Kelly Smith, Institutional Affairs Manager at Ferrero USA

April 22, 2021
Over the last 75 years as the business has grown from a pastry shop in Alba, Italy to one of world’s largest confectionery companies, Ferrero has learned a lot about our planet and how we can incorporate sustainable techniques into our everyday working environment. Our passion for quality, respect for the Earth, and commitment to be a responsible company propel us forward on our sustainability journey. Cleaner, more efficient trucks and factories are part of our story – but it's also about understanding where and how our ingredients are grown, reusing materials wherever possible, and making our packaging less impactful.

True environmental impact requires constant change and innovation from the time ingredients are harvested to the moment you savor that Kinder Bueno bar, Ferrero Rocher, or Nutella on toast. Here are some ways the dedicated team at Ferrero is doing its part to make our world a more sustainable place to live and work:

We are using cutting edge tech to prevent deforestation
Ferrero started working with Earthworm Foundation in 2013 to develop approaches to protect forests and people within its palm oil supply chain, eventually achieving 100% traceability to palm oil growers, eliminating the use of fire to clear land, and protecting endangered species. Today we’re working with Earthworm to use satellite monitoring systems to monitor land cover change and forest cover disturbance in near real time. With this technology, we can act quickly if there are any instances of deforestation.

We are getting your favorite sweets to you more efficiently
From peanut and cocoa farms all the way to your house, a Butterfinger bar goes through many steps before you enjoy that crispety, crunchety bite. We’re working on many fronts to make each step in the process as efficient and sustainable as possible. Ferrero uses special software to create efficiencies in our distribution system that reduces waste. Our Jonestown, PA site is currently using energy efficient lithium-powered forklifts that reduce energy consumption. And in our Brantford, Ontario plant we’ve installed LED lighting to increase light levels in production, improve electrical efficiency and reduce maintenance costs, saving more than 1.5 million kWh per year – almost enough energy to power 140 American homes for a year.

We’re all throwing away less packaging
The less we all throw in the trash the better! With our Rebox Corp Re-Used Box Program, we are able to reduce over 1,000 tons of CO2 emissions. And we’ve recently announced a partnership with the Association of Plastic Recyclers to implement design guidelines that will help us continue to move forward in our journey to 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging by 2025. To make sure our packages are disposed of correctly, we’re partnering with How2Recycle to provide consumers with clear and transparent recycling instructions on our labels. But of course, it all starts with the sweets. For example, soon you might notice new spoons in Kinder Joy eggs – they will be recyclable and made from high-quality sustainable certified paper. These moves are all just first steps toward fulfilling our bold packaging commitments.

We’re reducing our global carbon footprint
Ferrero has set ambitious targets to reduce our carbon footprint. Worldwide, we are making moves to cut emissions from our owned operations in half by 2030 and reduce emissions through our supply chain, aiming for a 43% reduction for each metric ton of product produced. Our facilities in Canada and Illinois consume 100% green electricity through renewable energy certificates, reducing our emissions by about 28,000 tons in 2020.

Impactful change requires commitment, teamwork and innovation from our plants, warehouses, and offices. Our Founders instilled these principles in our company 75 years ago and they remain an integral part of our culture today. Of course, there is more work to do and next Earth Day I know we’ll have more projects, partnerships, and results to share. Until then, enjoy our treats knowing they are grown, produced, packaged and delivered by dedicated Ferrerians who care about our planet and its people. For more information about our commitments visit ferrerosustainability.com.

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For all media inquiries, please email: northamericamediainquiries@ferrero.com.