Maple Leaf Foods has launched a comprehensive sustainability initiative.
Maple Leaf Foods has launched a comprehensive sustainability initiative.

TORONTO – Maple Leaf Foods unveiled its sustainability strategy and progress report. The company’s plan has four areas of emphasis:

• Advance Nutrition and Health: providing consumers with nutritious, sustainable and affordable food, made with simpler, natural ingredients;

• Value our People and Communities: advancing holistic approaches to food insecurity, which affects 1 in 6 Canadian children and 1 in 8 households;

• Treat Animals Well: dedicating the organizational focus and resources required to become a leader in animal care; and

• Eliminate Waste: reducing Maple Leaf’s environmental footprint by 50 percent in 10 years, focusing on emissions, water and waste reduction.

In addition to its sustainability initiatives, Maple Leaf also launched a website highlighting the company’s efforts at sodium reduction, antibiotic use and sow housing. The Feeding the Country, Responsibly website also features an interactive animation that describes the company’s supply chains. 

Michael McCain, CEO of Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
Michael McCain, CEO of Maple Leaf Foods Inc.

“The enormous challenge our world faces is the urgent need to sustainably feed an estimated two billion more people by 2050,” said Michael McCain, president and CEO. “We are setting high standards for ourselves in areas where Maple Leaf can have the greatest impact, including animal care, nutrition, environmental impact and food security.

“Sustainability is a profound opportunity to create shared value by addressing critical issues that also deliver commercial opportunities,” McCain added. “The issues are daunting, but as Canada's largest protein company, we want to be at the leading edge of change.”