FOOD GIANTS INVESTING IN SUSTAINABILITY W Then most people think of companies sustainability efforts, they consider activities such as powering their businesses with renewable energy or reducing waste. However, one major way of increasing sus- tainability that is often overlooked involves developing a greener supply chain. A number of the biggest packaged and processed food companies are taking significant steps toward more sustainable shipping practices. Three of these companies include General Mills, Smith- field Foods, and Mars. With $18 billion in annual sales, General Mills's operation and supply chain practices have a major influence on the environment. In five years it reduced solid-waste generation by 33 percent, energy consumption by 6 per- cent, and greenhouse gas emission rates by 6 percent. The company has also committed It also has goals for the immediate future, to a 2020 goal of sustainably sourcing its top including sending zero waste to landfill in 10 ingredients, which represent 50 percent of 2015. It also seeks to reduce negative envi its total raw material purchases. ronmental effects of its supply chain through As the world's largest pork producer and packaging reduction projects and plans to processor, Smithfield earns $13 billion in rev source all seafood products 100 percent Sus- enue. Although it has been fined in the past tainably by 2020.18 for environmental violations, the company hired a chief sustainability officer, plans to Discussion Questions reduce water and energy consumption by 10 percent, and intends to create a zero- 1. Why might these companies be focusing waste-to-landfill facility for each independent on improving their sustainability practices? subsidiary it owns. In terms of shipping, Smith- 2. Describe some of the ways that these com- field is undertaking packaging reduction proj panies are increasing sustainability in their ects to reduce waste. supply chains? The $33 billion Mars company promised 3. Why is it important not to overlook the sup- that by 2040, its offices and factories will use ply chain when considering a company's no fossil fuels and emit no greenhouse gases. sustainability efforts