CO2 and other greenhouse gases are an important issue across the entire value chain. Traditionally, distinctions are made between three areas of impact. Impact area 1 comprises all emissions caused directly at HOCHDORF such as heat generation through the combustion of natural gas. The emissions caused by indirect or purchased energy (e.g. electricity) are included in impact area 2. Impact area 3 includes all upstream and downstream greenhouse gas emissions, such as milk production or the production/disposal of packaging materials. Under impact area 3, we count all the sustainability criteria for the purchased (non-dairy) raw materials, which HOCHDORF needs, for example, for infant formula.
Situation in 2021:
- HOCHDORF has been familiar with CO2 reduction programmes for many years. So far the focus has been on impact area 1
- The CO2 or climate footprint of purchased raw materials in our supply chain is currently not recorded
- Sustainability criteria currently play a subordinate role when selecting suppliers
- Impact area 1
- In the medium term, we will clarify the position for the increased use of biogas
- We want to reduce own CO2 emissions per tonne of saleable product produced by 25% (with 2020 as base year).
- All Bimbosan milk and cereal-based foods are CO2 neutral
- All our own brand products are produced without palm oil. Bimbosan infant formula is already 100% free from palm oil today
- The palm oil used in third-party brands at least meets the requirements of the RSPO certificate
- Impact area 2
- In the short term, we will clarify whether the roof and facade areas at the Sulgen site can be used for photovoltaic systems
- 50% reduction in CO2 compared to the base year 2020 for electricity purchased. In Sulgen, we currently only purchase Swiss atomic energy (15.9 g CO2/kWh). The energy mix is less specifically defined at the Hochdorf site (128 g CO2/kWh)
RSPO represents sustainably produced palm oil (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil). The organisation was founded in 2004 with the aim of promoting the growth and use of sustainable palm oil products by applying global standards across the entire palm oil value chain. Certified palm oil has to meet numerous environmental and social criteria. Additional information: www.rspo.org
- Impact area 3
- 100% of suppliers meet the sustainability requirements to be defined
- 100% of suppliers fulfil the SEDEX criteria
- HOCHDORF knows the CO2 footprint of all the important raw materials purchased and aims to take appropriate measures for continual reductions in the supply chain
- Sustainability criteria that are relevant to decision-making are built into the supplier evaluation
Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) is a member organisation for companies that have committed to ongoing improvement in the ethical conduct in their supply chain. Additional information: www.sedex.com.