Lactalis Canada Releases 2023 ESG Report
08 Mayo 2024 - 9:30AM
Lactalis Canada –the Canadian dairy leader behind iconic brands
like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia
and a subsidiary of France-based Lactalis Group – today released
Lactalis Canada’s 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance
(ESG) Report which highlights the company’s commitment to
being a sustainable and responsible dairy processor for its key
stakeholders across its supply chain including its people,
consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government,
industry and community partners.
“Our 2023 report highlights the tangible gains we have made in
improving our performance towards our ESG goals,” said Mark Taylor,
President & CEO, Lactalis Canada. “As we move forward, we are
keen to work collaboratively and proactively with our customers,
suppliers, dairy farmers, government, industry and community
partners on important shared ESG objectives. We know that by
working more closely together, we can make faster and more
meaningful progress.”
This report details the company’s ESG achievements and
advancements, as well as its future goals. It is aligned with the
company’s global ESG framework established by Lactalis Group,
focused on three key pillars: People & Communities; Authentic
Products & Heritage; and Land & Resources and underlined by
three key priorities: Circular Economy & Packaging; Climate;
and Animal Welfare. In 2023, the company continued to adopt
practices to improve its social and environmental footprint by
embedding sustainability into its daily operations, improving its
performance across these pillars. Key highlights include:
People & Communities
- Launched new mentorship program designed to foster inclusivity
and provide employees with access and exposure to senior
leadership.
- Received 2023 Canadian Grocer Impact award in Supporting
Employees category, in recognition of commitment to training,
professional development, mental health and wellness, and improved
Total Rewards program.
- Invested over $2.7 million in charitable organizations across
the country, including nearly one million litres/kilograms of
nutritious high-quality milk and dairy products.
- Improved safety performance with a notable 23% decrease over
the past two years.
Authentic Products & Heritage
- Achieved 100% regulation compliance by ensuring all Canadian
sites obtained SFCR licences under the Safe Food for Canadians
Regulations.
- Reduced sugar content by 25% in milkshakes and exceeded goal to
triple organic dairy product volume, with sales five times higher
than in 2020 and over 40 organic retail products sold each
year.
- Advanced responsible sourcing practices, with the Blue Cow logo
on approximately 800 products that contain 100% high-quality,
nutritious Canadian milk and meet strict standards for safety,
quality, biosecurity, animal welfare and stewardship.
- Maintained leadership in animal welfare, upholding strict ‘Zero
Tolerance’ policy against animal mistreatment, advocating for the
adoption of ambitious animal welfare standards, and promoting the
implementation of best practices.
Land & Resources
- Reduced reliance on road transport through Intermodal
Transportation program to Western Canada, with 70% of freight now
moving by rail, reducing CO₂e emissions by 14,000 metric tonnes
since its launch, equivalent to removing 3,000 trucks from the
road.
- Since 2019, lowered scope 1 and scope 2 emissions intensity by
-11.2% by upgrading industrial equipment, using high-efficiency
refrigeration systems, and enhancing GHG management.
- Increased package recyclability to 84% and launched 25 projects
to improve packaging for over 400 cheese and yogourt products.
- Reduced cardboard use by 68,000 kilograms, plastic use by
162,000 kilograms and landfill waste by 42,000 kilograms through
light weighting projects.
“Lactalis Canada’s focus in on the journey and not simply the
destination. The momentum we have built since 2021 continues to
guide us in embedding real and meaningful change across the
company,” said Taylor. “We will maintain our high standards of
profitable and responsible growth as we progress on our ESG
journey, delivering value for all Lactalis Canada
stakeholders.”
To read Lactalis Canada’s 2023 ESG Report click HERE.
About Lactalis Canada Inc. With over 140 years
of brand heritage, Lactalis Canada is the Canadian dairy leader
behind iconic brands Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, P’tit Québec,
Balderson, Cheestrings Ficello, aMOOza!, Astro, Khaas, siggi’s,
IÖGO, IÖGO nanö, Olympic, Lactantia, Beatrice, Marie Morin Canada,
Galbani, and Président. With more than 30 operating sites including
20 manufacturing facilities, the company and its more than 4000
employees are committed to enriching and nurturing the lives of
Canadians through its high-quality products, contribution to
communities and partnership with farmers, customers, partners and
suppliers. Lactalis Canada is part of Lactalis Group, the world’s
leading dairy company, headquartered in Laval, France. For more
information,
visit www.lactalis.ca
Media Contact:Lactalis Canada Media
Relationsmedia@ca.lactalis.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bfec3592-9052-4221-a39c-9d36f6242c01