Ferrero launches sustainability report number 16, traceability and materials at the centre

For the Ferrero Group, this is the sixteenth edition of its Sustainability Report, which reports on the progress made "in the pursuit of key sustainability objectives, consistent with its long-standing commitment to generate a positive impact on the entire value chain". For Executive Chairman Giovanni Ferrero, 'sustainability is deeply rooted in Ferrero's long-term strategy. It is a key driver of corporate resilience and guides our decisions as we grow responsibly'.

The increasingly complex framework is climate change and the sourcing of raw materials such as chocolate and hazelnuts. "In the face of global challenges, in particular climate change, our commitment remains clear: sourcing responsibly, innovating boldly and safeguarding the environment for future generations. This progress is made possible by taking collective action, leveraging innovation, research and development, and continuing to learn from our experiences to achieve a measurable and meaningful impact,' writes Ferrero.

Traceability of ingredients, attention to the issue of rights, steps on the path to decarbonisation: these are the main drivers highlighted by CEO Lapo Civiletti. The latest Sustainability Report, in particular, highlights the progress achieved in the traceability of global supply chains, with over 90% of key ingredients mapped to origin. "Strategic partnerships with Sourcemap and Starling are further strengthening the traceability of key raw materials, enabling us to reach 97% traceability for both cocoa and palm oil, and 94% for hazelnuts," the Group reports.

On the pathway to halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, Scope 1 and 2 emissions have been reduced by 21.7% since 2017/18. For Scope 3, FLAG (Forest, Land and Agriculture) and non-FLAG emissions have been disaggregated to improve the measurement and monitoring of carbon emissions and increase the reliability and accuracy of data. In addition, 90% of Ferrero's electricity for production and storage comes from renewable sources while 'with 92.1% of packaging now designed to be recyclable, Ferrero has maintained its commitment to ensuring that more than 90% of the packaging materials it uses are reusable, recyclable or compostable'.

With respect to the reduction of virgin plastic, a 13% decrease in the plastic-to-product ratio should be noted, thanks also to the conversion of Ferrero Rocher boxes from polystyrene to polypropylene in North America and China, with an estimated saving of about 11,000 tonnes of plastic. Last year Ferrero also launched Plant-Based Nutella, in jars made from 60% recycled glass.