Therefore, we are developing initiatives that will allow us to transform the baking sector and make it even more sustainable. This is a sector in which sustainability is closely linked to good practices for planting, growing and milling of the grains we use to prepare our products (70% of CO2 emissions come from sowing and cultivation of wheat).
One of our initiatives is the commitment to using responsible wheat. What does this mean? The implementation of good practices with local farmers, the use of certified seeds, reduced use of fertilisers, crop rotation and field-to-table traceability. To identify the products produced according to these principles, we have created the ‘Responsible Wheat’ seal. In fact, today 5,300 hectares are dedicated to this crop, and we are committed to expand this area to 20,000 hect ares by 2025.
But our commitment doesn’t stop there. We want to be involved in the sustainable transformation of the planet, and so, to this end, we have set important targets for 2021: reducing our carbon footprint emissions by 36%, , our water consumption by 13% and our gas consumption by 8% compared to 2020.
This sustainable transformation is a natural consequence of our company mission. In the words of Jordi Gallés, the CEO of Europastry: ‘All the players in the food chain have to collaborate and do their part to ensure that the planet is inhabitable for our children. What will coming generations say about us if we go beyond the point of no return when we still have the means to avoid it? Together with our suppliers and customers, we want to lead this change’.
WE ARE WORKING FOR THE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE OF FOOD
For years, we have been working to find solutions that will enable us to operate more sustainably.
We promote collaboration between farmers, mills, manufacturers and distributors to add transparency about everything that takes place between the field and the consumer’s table. By working closely with local suppliers, we are already reducing food miles and the resulting environmental impact, and we exercise exhaustive control over the traceability of our products.
In addition, at Europastry we are actively fighting climate change. Our products are made with 100% natural ingredients and processes that use 100% green energy from renewable sources. Thanks to our commitment to green energy at all our production plants, we prevent the emission of 50,000 tonnes of CO2 each year.
Lastly, we use recyclable packaging for our products and distribute them in accordance sustainability criteria, utilising sustainable fleets which include electric bicycles, natural gas-powered trucks and mega-trucks with a larger freight capacity, optimisation of logistics routes, the use of less polluting fuels and intermodal transport.
It is worth noting that we have held various sustainability certificates for years, such as the Organic Farming Certificate for the Bio product line, and the UTZ cacao certificate for the chocolate we use for fillings and frostings.