Spice-Maker McCormick Outlines Sustainability Initiatives, Progress Made

The $5.3 billion flavor supplier said it has already achieved 84 percent sustainable packaging, and laid out goals for renewable energy use and waste reduction.

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HUNT VALLEY, MD — McCormick & Company, a global provider in flavor, has issued its 2019 Purpose-led Performance (PLP) Report, which highlights McCormick's efforts to help improve the health & wellbeing of people, build vibrant communities and make a positive impact on our planet. The company was also recently named the world's 22nd most Sustainable Company and No. 1 in the Food Products Industry for the fourth year in a row by the Corporate Knights Global 100 Sustainability Index. 

The newly released report highlights significant progress against the company's commitments to the advancement of women and ethnically diverse talent, improving health outcomes through scientific research and working with partners like IFC, USAID, CARE, WWF and NCBA CLUSA to increase farmer's skills, capacity, access to financial services, education, and nutrition and health. McCormick also announced the introduction of the first ever Herbs & Spice Sustainability Framework called Grown for Good – a new certification standard that includes quality and traceability requirements along with farmer and community resilience criteria. 

The company also highlighted areas for improved performance including greenhouse gas emissions and water use. McCormick intends to achieve overall reductions in these areas by 2025 even with its larger size following the acquisition of Frank's and French's. Recently announced partnerships with Skipjack Solar to move to 100 percent renewable energy for all facilities in Maryland and New Jersey by 2022 will significantly reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. Water use reduction remains a top priority with facility-specific plans being implemented beginning in 2020.

"Companies have a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the people and places they touch. McCormick's PLP agenda is how we ensure that our impact is a positive one," said Lawrence Kurzius, chairman, president and CEO of McCormick & Company.

Highlights from the 2019 report include:

  • Increased representation of women and ethnically diverse talent in leadership positions, including the Board of Directors
  • Supported the resilience of nearly 16,000 farmers across the globe with sustainable agricultural practices and partnerships
  • Significant progress towards sustainably sourcing the five iconic ingredients (Black Pepper, Red Pepper, Cinnamon, Oregano and Vanilla)
  • Achieved 84% plastic packaging that can be reused, recycled, or repurposed
  • Significant increase in McCormick Science Institute citations which provide important research findings to the public on the health benefits of the culinary use of herbs & spices
  • Introduced a new sustainable sourcing framework, "Grown for Good" the first-of-its-kind for the Herb and Spice Industry
  • Solidified plans to power Maryland and New Jersey facilities with 100% renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

For more information and to view the PLP Report, visit https://www.mccormickcorporation.com/en/responsibility/purpose-led-performance

McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor. With $5.3 billion in annual sales, the company manufactures, markets and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry – retail outlets, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses.

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