Coles tops for sustainability

Coles has been ranked among the best in the world for sustainability in the 2021 Food and Agriculture Benchmark.

The World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA)  assessed 350 of the world’s most influential food and agriculture companies and ranked them on their governance, environment, nutrition and social inclusion practices.

Coles was ranked second out of 62 peer food retailers around the world, and twelfth out of the 350 benchmarked food and agriculture organisations internationally.

In the food and beverage manufacturers/processors category, Coles also ranked 10th in the world.

It follows the release this month of Coles’ 2021 Sustainability Report, which revealed the retail giant had donated $143 million in community support in the past financial year, committed to no more giveaways of plastic or recycled plastic collectible toys, and diverted 80.6 per cent of solid waste from landfill, compared with 76.7 per cent in the previous year.

In its findings, the WBA stated that Coles “ranked first among its retail peers in social inclusion, while landing among the top five in nutrition, and top ten across the governance and strategy, and environment measurement areas.”

The WBA also found that Coles showed leadership among all companies with consumer products in their portfolios.

Thinus Keevé, Coles’ Chief Sustainability, Property and Export Officer said he was delighted Coles’ progress had been recognised on an international stage as the company continues to work towards becoming Australia’s most sustainable supermarket.

“Coles’ Together to Zero and Better Together ambitions, as outlined in our Sustainability Strategy, underpin the steps we are taking to drive generational sustainability,” Keevé said.

“Under Together to Zero, Coles has set bold emissions and energy targets, including to be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy by the end of FY25, and to deliver net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 – and we are well on the way to achieving them.

“We recognise the role we have to play but know that we cannot do this alone, and that we need to work together with our many stakeholders to drive positive change. We know that we are Better Together when we work together with our team members, farmers, suppliers, customers and the communities we serve.”

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Coles Partners With Cleanaway To Convert Food Waste Into Compost

Coles To Use Australian-First Soft Plastics Recycling Technology

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