The Barilla Group, a renowned Italian food company, has released its latest Sustainability Report, highlighting the significant progress it has made in promoting sustainability across its operations. The report showcases the company’s dedication to the well-being of people, the environment, and the communities it serves, aligning with its purpose of “The joy of food for a better life.”
Barilla has consistently invested in improving its extensive range of pasta, sauces, and bakery products. Since 2010, the company has reformulated and enhanced nearly 500 products, with 40 new launches in 2022 alone. These efforts aim to drive innovation while reducing the environmental impact of production processes, including CO2eq emissions, energy consumption, and water usage. Additionally, Barilla strives to design recyclable packaging, contributing to the circular economy.
Paolo Barilla, Vice-President of the Barilla Group, emphasized the company’s enduring commitment to surpassing itself, embodying the spirit of its founders since its establishment in 1877. This dedication serves as the driving force behind their continuous pursuit of excellence. Gianluca Di Tondo, CEO of the Barilla Group, highlighted that sustainable practices are crucial for securing a prosperous future for the planet and all its inhabitants. The company embarked on this journey years ago, taking incremental steps that have yielded remarkable outcomes.
One key aspect of Barilla’s sustainability efforts lies in its commitment to sustainable supply chains, from farm to fork. The company actively supports sustainable and regenerative agriculture projects involving 9,000 farms. By promoting sustainable farming practices for durum wheat, common wheat, basil, and tomatoes, Barilla ensures that its ingredients are responsibly sourced. Moreover, the company has achieved an impressive milestone of producing 100% of Mulino Bianco breads, biscuits, and snacks using renewable energy. Barilla’s pasta factories are equipped with tri-generation plants, further contributing to a reduced environmental footprint.
The results speak for themselves. Compared to 2010, Barilla has achieved a remarkable 32% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 24% decrease in water consumption per ton of finished product. Demonstrating its dedication to responsible waste management, Barilla ensures that all its pasta, sauces, pesto, breads, biscuits, and snacks are designed for recycling, both in Italy and worldwide.
However, sustainability at Barilla goes beyond environmental considerations. The company is also deeply committed to supporting people and local communities. In the past year, Barilla donated €3.2 million worth of products, amounting to over 3,200 tons, to communities where it operates. These efforts aim to improve access to food and make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families.
In line with its long-term sustainability vision, Barilla has announced a new investment plan totaling €1 billion. Half of this investment will be allocated to projects in Italy, further strengthening the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices.
Barilla’s Sustainability Report is now available online on the company’s website, www.barillagroup.com. The report serves as a testament to Barilla’s continuous efforts to make a positive impact on the planet, embracing sustainable practices and inspiring others in the food industry to follow suit. As the company moves forward, Barilla remains dedicated to its mission of combining the joy of food with a commitment to sustainability, acknowledging that there is still much work to be done. With its unwavering passion and steadfast determination, the Barilla Group is paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Image provided by The Barilla Group
