Hershey touts progress toward sustainability goals in new ESG report

On Tuesday, the Hershey Company said it was making progress on key sustainability goals in its latest ESG report.

The company said its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance Report showed it had reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, and remains focused on improving cocoa farming communities, ensuring human rights for people across its value chain, reducing its impact on the planet and creating a stronger, more resilient workforce.

“As we continue to act on the most important areas of focus for our business, including responsible sourcing, reducing our carbon footprint, and promoting inclusivity, we are continually reminded that our progress and achievements are made possible by our employees, farmers, partners and other stakeholders who share our commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable future,” said Michele Buck, CEO, The Hershey Company. “We are grateful for their input and support and look forward to continuing this journey together.”

The company said it has reduced it was making progress on its commitment to reduce its environmental impact by 50 percent absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. Using real-time data to monitor utility usage, the company said it will reduce its energy intensity by approximately 10 percent over the next five years. Additionally, the company said it was using biofuel to reduce carbon intensity, and remove carbon-intensive fuels from its facilities, and had improved its energy and water conservation globally by 6 percent in 2022.

According to the report, the company will invest $500 million in cocoa farming communities and increase sourcing visibility while supporting farmer livelihoods. The company also said it has invested in its making its supply chain and workforce more resilient through initiatives that focus on diversity. In its Hazelton, Pa., plant, a “Say Hola” program integrates both Spanish and English-speaking employees under one roof with bilingual trainings, managers and workplace materials. And in company has committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion by hiring veterans on to the company’s workforce. In 2023, the company said, it will expand its partnership with military hiring organizations to increase veteran hiring by 4 percent.