Albertsons’ ‘Recipe for Change’ Includes a Net-Zero Operation by 2040

Albertsons Cos.’ new environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework, called Recipe for Change, outlines the company’s long-term goals and strategies focused on maximizing its positive impact across four pillars: planet, people, product and community.

Released April 20, Recipe for Change calls for zero food waste going to landfills by 2030, the donation of 1 billion meals by 2030 and net-zero emissions in company operations by 2040, among other goals.

“Albertsons Cos. has made substantial progress driving sustainability practices in our operations, including reducing energy and fuel consumption, implementing recycling programs, and fighting food insecurity in our local neighborhoods,” Chief Sustainability and Transformation Officer Suzanne Long said in a release. “Recipe for Change is about broadening our existing commitments so we can have an even greater impact.”

Long, who has been in retail and consulting for more than 25 years and has led a variety of major strategic initiatives at Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons, will oversee execution of its ESG strategy and sustainability agenda.

With regard to the planet, Albertsons said it is committed to fighting climate change by reducing carbon emissions through science-based targets. Specifically, it aims to achieve Science Based Targets initiative approved carbon emissions reduction goals by 2030, including reducing carbon emissions from company operations by 47%, reducing downstream carbon emissions from the use of sold goods by about 27% and engaging top suppliers to set science-based carbon reduction targets by 2026.

As part of the people pillar, Albertsons said it is committed to cultivating a diverse workforce and providing equal opportunity for all associates by increasing diverse representation within management, fostering an inclusive culture that embraces differences and drives innovation to accelerate growth, and ensuring all associates have equal access to opportunities and resources.

• See also, Albertsons Looks to Expand Supplier Diversity

In terms of product, Albertsons’ goal is to eliminate food waste, reduce the use of plastic and accelerate its transition to a more circular economy. This effort includes a focus on its own brands, with the goal of making all own brands product packaging 100% recyclable, reusable or industrially compostable by 2025, as well as making plastic packaging for own brands include 20% recycled content. Additionally, by 2022 own brands packaging will include standardized recycling communications.

As for its community pillar, Albertsons said it is committed to reducing food insecurity at a local level, so all its neighbors thrive. To do this, the retailer said it will champion programs and partnerships to help break the cycle of hunger, in addition to donating 1 billion meals by 2030.

• See also, Albertsons Expands Affordable Access to Fresh Food, Medications

“As a long-standing neighborhood grocer, we have an ongoing commitment to leverage our resources and expertise to support the communities we serve and the planet we share,” said Vivek Sankaran, CEO of Albertsons Cos. “Today, we are unveiling ambitious and measurable goals that will challenge us to be even more deliberate and creative about how we lead positive change.”

As of Feb. 26, Albertsons Cos. operated 2,276 retail stores with 1,722 pharmacies, 402 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 20 manufacturing facilities. The company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia with 24 banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market.