Environmental goals report

Danish-based food ingredients manufacturer Palsgaard has released its 2013 CSR report, detailing a list of CSR goals and initiatives.
The 48-page 2013 CSR Report outlines the latest steps in four key areas (energy and environment, employees, corporate governance and products) where the company is making significant efforts to address its impact on the environment.

Palsgaard has put CO2 emissions reduction firmly at the top of its CSR agenda. Most of the company’s electricity, for example, is supplied as RECS-certified green energy from newly established wind farms.

Four years ago, the company declared its most ambitious objective: to achieve CO2 neutrality by 2020. The 2013 CSR report reveals that efforts to reduce emissions are on track.

Another highlight is the company’s determination to achieve 100 per cent RSPO-certified palm oil use in its production, combatting the consequences that growing oil palms may have on the climate, biodiversity and working conditions in South-East Asia. The 2013 CSR report indicates that, during 2015, this goal will be achieved. The company also reports increased interest during 2013 in products with RSPO-certified ingredients.

Excellent progress was also reported in relation to other key goals listed in the latest report, such as wastewater emissions (down from 1.53 litres per kg of finished product in 2012 to 1.39 in 2013) and workplace accident frequency (down by 21 per cent compared to last year’s reporting). Employee satisfaction was again measured, with results aligning with the European Employment Index (EEI) categorisation of ‘a high level of job satisfaction’.

CEO Jakob Thøisen says: “In 2013, we placed particular emphasis on responsible supply chain management, aiming to have all our raw materials supplied by producers that recognise the UN Global Compact’s 10 principles and conduct their businesses in an ethical manner.”
The ingredients manufacturer has an eye for local communities, too. Since 2010, for example, Palsgaard Mexico has been partnering with CTDUCA, an organisation dedicated to help children and adults with Down’s syndrome to improve their metabolism and learning abilities to have a better quality of life. This activity has continued in 2013.