Uniting Industry Leaders for a Sustainable Future: Insights From the 2024 Global Summit

This Summit was a pivotal moment, reinforcing our collective mission to unite industry leaders in the quest to decarbonize and build a sustainable future. The CEO exchanges were particularly enlightening, underscoring our shared commitment and the significant steps we are taking together.

At Bel Group, our dedication to sustainability is both deep and broad. Our Net Zero roadmap exemplifies a holistic approach that spans the entire value chain—from farm to fork. We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2035, a goal that requires transforming our factories, diversifying our product portfolio, supporting sustainable farming practices, and vigorously combating food waste.

Comprehensive Approach to Sustainability

Tackling Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Reducing our GHG emissions is central to our strategy. This involves substantial changes at every level of production and distribution. Our factories are being upgraded to more energy-efficient technologies, and we are actively pursuing innovative solutions to cut emissions.

Promoting Sustainable Farming

Sustainable farming is a cornerstone of our approach. By working closely with our agricultural partners, we ensure that our practices not only reduce emissions but also enhance the resilience and productivity of our farms. This includes initiatives like agroforestry and peatland restoration, which have dual benefits for carbon sequestration and biodiversity.

Fighting Food Waste

Food waste is another critical area of focus. At Bel Group, we are implementing comprehensive programs to reduce waste at every stage of our value chain. This includes optimizing production processes, improving supply chain logistics, and engaging consumers in waste reduction efforts.

Addressing Biodiversity and Water Scarcity

Beyond carbon reduction, we recognize the intertwined challenges of biodiversity loss and water scarcity. By 2030, the world may face a 56% shortfall in available water resources. To address this, our Wasabel program is pioneering efforts to reduce water usage across our operations. We are implementing advanced water measurement techniques to track and minimize our water footprint throughout the value chain.

In partnership with WWF, we are also making significant strides in biodiversity conservation. Our agroforestry projects and the restoration of 40 hectares of peatland in the Jura region are critical efforts to protect and restore natural ecosystems. Every hectare restored not only supports biodiversity but also contributes to climate resilience.

The Sustainable Kitchen Initiative

I’m particularly excited about the collaboration between the CGF Food Waste and Healthier Lives Coalitions through The Sustainable Kitchen. This innovative platform goes beyond sharing recipes; it is a comprehensive consumer engagement tool designed to reduce food waste and promote healthier eating habits. By providing practical tips and information, we aim to inspire and empower consumers to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.

Gratitude and Forward Momentum

The collaborative spirit at the CGF Global Summit was truly inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder that when industry leaders come together, we can drive significant progress towards a more sustainable future. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this journey and look forward to continuing our work together to achieve these ambitious goals.

As we move forward, I am confident that our collective efforts will lead to meaningful change. At Bel Group, we remain steadfast in our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. Together, we can build a future that is not only sustainable but also prosperous for all.

Thank you for being part of this important journey.