1 IN 3 CONSUMERS BELIEVE THAT RESPONSIBLY AND LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS MAKE A BRAND SUSTAINABLE , AND NEARLY HALF OF THESE PEOPLE CONSIDER THESE TO BE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES
TATE & LYLE PLC
1 IN 3 CONSUMERS BELIEVE THAT RESPONSIBLY AND LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS MAKE A BRAND SUSTAINABLE , AND NEARLY HALF OF THESE PEOPLE CONSIDER THESE TO BE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES
NIELSENIQ SUSTAINABILITY REPORT , 2023
Aligning views : Why care about sustainable sourcing ? Pierce sees organisations ’ own ambitions to reduce and eventually eliminate their impacts as being aligned with those who consume their goods .
“ Consumers have indicated that they ’ re more interested in sustainable products . Investors , employees and future talent also want to see clear evidence that businesses are acting in society ’ s best interests .”
“ Investors especially want to be assured that companies are strengthening resilience to climate change and that it ’ s part of the planning and risk assessment process . Ultimately , I believe the companies that most value sustainability will be successful , but everyone needs to act with urgency to mitigate the worst effects of climate change ,” Pierce explains .
With motivations clearly aligned , how can companies communicate what they ’ re doing ? As reporting standards and metrics vary greatly , Pierce believes certification through respected schemes and transparent ESG reporting must be leveraged until a unified approach to disclosures is developed , and it isn ’ t on the horizon .
“ In some cases , companies make use of on-pack certification like Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance where consumers have a level of trust if only a vague understanding of what it represents ,” says Pierce .
“ Everyone has their own take on what counts as ‘ sustainable ’. I see this as an opportunity to come together and collectively agree on what responsible sourcing looks like so we and our customers can help consumers understand it .”
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