Ahold Delhaize will extend its commitment to cut food waste in its brands' operations. The reduction is in line with the global goal of reducing food waste by 50% by 2030. The new target further builds on the company's commitment to reduce food waste by 20% by 2020.
To support this, the company has joined the World Resources Institute's 10x20x30 initiative, which brings together 10 global food retailers that will reach engage with 20 of their priority suppliers to have their rates of food loss and waste by 2030.
“Reducing food waste in our stores and distribution chain is the right thing for our business, for the climate, and for improving food security. We join this exciting initiative to support momentum across our industry and create new innovations for reducing waste in partnership with suppliers,” said Frans Muller, President and CEO of Ahold Delhaize.
The announcement comes just after Ahold Delhaize revealed that its local brands have implemented a new sustainable chemistry commitment that will restrict certain chemicals from products and packaging. In addition, it will the commitment allows the brands to work with suppliers to ensure that products meet high standards for ingredients beyond what's currently required by law.
“The great local brands of Ahold Delhaize USA are known for their close local and personal connections with customers and communities,” says Brittni Furrow, VP of Sustainable Retailing and Healthy Living for Ahold Delhaize USA. “Consumers indicate they want more transparent products for their families, made with ingredients they can feel good about. We’re pleased to launch this new commitment, which will bring more sustainable options, free from unwanted ingredients, to neighborhood grocery stores.”
The sustainable chemistry policy that each of Ahold Delhaize USA’s companies have adopted outlines sustainable chemistry practices across three key areas:
Restricting Chemicals of Concern. Ahold Delhaize USA’s companies will restrict the intentional use of chemicals of concern and place chemicals of concern, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Bisphenol A (BPAs), Phthalates and more on a restricted substance list for a full range of private brand products. The restricted list will cover both private brand products and food packaging for these products and work will focus on ensuring more sustainable substitutes for chemicals of concern are used.
Verifying Chemicals of High Priority are Removed. Ahold Delhaize USA’s companies will expand supplier testing requirements beginning in 2020 to confirm that priority products meet its high standards, beyond what is required by U.S. law, for potential chemicals of concern. Ahold Delhaize USA and its local brands are committed to using credible certification programs that further address priority materials for coffee, tea and cocoa products with Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade or organic programs.
Collaborating with Suppliers to Address Root Causes of Contaminants. Ahold Delhaize USA and its local brands will partner with suppliers, agricultural producers and external organizations to research and act to minimize the occurrence of potential contaminants of concern in finished products and to advance greener chemistry options. Additionally, the companies are expanding product ingredient information provided to consumers, beyond what is required by law, to support the selection of trusted brands and products.
“Each of the Ahold Delhaize USA companies is committed to sustainable chemistry from farms and fields to production and packaging to store shelves,” says Furrow. “Sustainable chemistry is a complex and evolving topic, but one that Ahold Delhaize USA and its companies are committed to addressing in collaboration with others in the best interest of consumers.”
Starting in 2020, Ahold Delhaize will participate in The Chemical Footprint Project and will report annually on progress toward its commitment.
