Heinz Sets Sustainability Goal

The H. J. Heinz Company announces its milestone company goal: to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2015. This effort is part of Heinz's sustainability vision, to be a trusted leader in nutrition and wellness, dedicated to the sustainable health of people, the planet and the company.

"From using potato peels to generate energy, to reducing the amount and size of our packaging, every day we're finding new ways to reduce our environmental footprint and improve the efficiency of our company," says Heinz CEO Bill Johnson. "Everyone in the Heinz community is involved in this sustainability effort - from our employees to many of our largest customers and suppliers."

Heinz is focusing on eight specific areas to achieve its goal by 2015 including:

1. Energy consumption - 20 percent reduction through improved operational efficiency
2. Packaging - 15 percent reduction by the introduction of alternative packaging materials and reduction of existing packaging use
3. Transportation - 10 percent reduction through improved efficiency of distribution network
4. Renewable energy - 15 percent to come from renewable sources, including solar, biomass and bio-gas
5. Agriculture - 15 percent reduction of carbon footprint, 15 percent reduction of water usage, improvement of yields by 5 percent through use of hybrid tomato seeds that require less water, fertilizer, pesticides and fuel to harvest
6. Water - 20 percent reduction through reuse and improved sanitation techniques
7. Solid Waste - 20 percent reduction through increased recycling and reuse of waste
8. Employees - Increase employee engagement through a voluntary personal sustainability campaign