HelloFresh, a provider of meal kits, is committing to offset 100 per cent of its direct carbon emissions from its internal operations and offices, plus all emissions from delivery to customers and corporate travel as part of the company’s green energy and carbon reduction strategy. This will make HelloFresh the first global carbon-neutral meal kit company.
For the international segment, HelloFresh will partner with Planetly, a climate-tech startup from Berlin and, with their expertise, invest in climate protection projects around the globe. The initiative is expected to offset over 40,000 metric tonnes of carbon for 2020. In the US, HelloFresh is collaborating with Terrapass to offset at least 50,000 metric tonnes of carbon.
Sustainability has always been a fundamental part of HelloFresh’s company strategy. Due to its innovative supply chain, HelloFresh reduces food waste, which is a contributor to carbon emissions in the traditional grocery supply chain. In addition, the company has launched its strategy to avoid, reduce and offset carbon emissions.
In co-operation with Planetly, HelloFresh will offset direct emissions from its internal operations and offices, plus all emissions from delivery to customers and corporate travel for 2020, through continuous investment in global climate protection projects as per CCBS Gold Level certification.
At a local level, HelloFresh will be supporting the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor in the mid-west of Western Australia. This project aims to return the environment to its origins by planting up to 40 native tree and shrub species in order to recreate a healthy and functioning biodiversity hotspot.
“The number of meals we put on Australian tables every week requires a disproportionately low amount of space and energy compared to traditional grocers and other meal providers. said Tom Rutledge, CEO of HelloFresh Australia. “Given this inherent advantage in our business model, we see carbon offsetting as a natural next step especially as we continue to grow our business and our role in the food industry. Given we are the first meal kit company in Australia, dating back to 2012, we feel it’s important to lead the way for sustainability action in the category.
“This year, we have made it a priority to continuously evaluate, measure and reduce our carbon emissions. Our carbon offset programme is another step in amplifying our sustainability efforts. I am very happy about the progress we’re making towards becoming a more sustainable business and sustainable way of enjoying delicious home-cooked meals,” said Rutledge.
“We are currently prioritising mitigating the emissions that we produce. Our highly optimised production facilities emit significantly less CO2 (co2 symbol please) per dollar of revenue compared to traditional food retailers, which need to cool, heat and light thousands of stores,” said Tilman Eichstaedt, senior vice president sustainability, HelloFresh. “Furthermore, we deliver our boxes as efficiently as possible. For example, we ship boxes in batches and reduce the number of kilometers travelled through our innovative planning software. This carbon offset initiative is another important milestone towards carbon neutrality and perfectly complements our existing efforts towards becoming a more sustainable company.”