Kellogg’s, one of the world’s leading food companies, has taken significant steps toward embedding circular economy principles in its operations. With a global presence in over 180 countries, the company is focused on reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and creating sustainable food systems. Here’s how Kellogg’s is driving circularity in the food sector.
Sustainable packaging and waste reduction
Kellogg’s has committed to achieving 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by 2025. Currently, over 76% of its packaging is recyclable at scale, with a goal of transitioning the remaining percentage within the next few years. This ambitious target aligns with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s guidelines on sustainability and is part of the company’s broader effort to reduce plastic waste globally.
Additionally, Kellogg’s has made strides in reducing food and organic waste. The company has achieved a 23% reduction in food waste since 2016 and continues to refine its manufacturing processes to cut waste even further.
Circular agriculture
Kellogg’s circular economy efforts are not limited to packaging and waste. The company also focuses on sustainable agriculture by supporting smallholder farmers globally. Through its “Better Days” initiative, Kellogg’s has supported over 485,000 farmers by promoting regenerative agricultural practices. These methods help farmers optimize yields while reducing environmental impact, contributing to more sustainable food production.
Kellogg’s aims to support 1 million farmers by 2030, focusing on increasing resource efficiency and enhancing biodiversity. These efforts not only address environmental sustainability but also ensure that the company’s supply chain is resilient and adaptable to future climate challenges
Optimal resource use and closing the waste cycle
As part of its circular strategy, Kellogg invests not only in sustainable processes but also in innovations for regenerating the resources used. This involves recovering food ingredients and biomaterials that can be recycled and reused in production cycles. These approaches minimize waste while reducing the need for new raw materials. For instance, Kellogg is working on ways to utilize by-products from grain production, while also improving the energy efficiency of its factories, further strengthening its environmental commitment and closing the waste cycle in its production processes.
Renewable energy and emissions reductions
Kellogg’s also emphasizes the reduction of its greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2015, the company has cut its Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 31.1% and its Scope 3 emissions by 13%, with plans to achieve even greater reductions in the coming years.
The company is working towards using 100% renewable electricity by 2050 across all its facilities globallyThese initiatives are part of Kellogg’s strategy to create a circular food system that minimizes resource extraction, promotes sustainable practices, and reduces waste throughout its value chain.
Kellogg’s integration of circular economy principles is a comprehensive approach to creating a sustainable future for the food industry. From reducing packaging waste to promoting regenerative agriculture and cutting emissions, the company is positioning itself as a leader in the circular economy movement. As more businesses adopt these practices, the potential for creating a truly sustainable global food system becomes more attainable.
